Federal Bureaucracy and Its Functions

Federal Bureaucracy: The Executive Branch

Definition of Bureaucracy

• Bureaucracy: A complex structure of offices, tasks, and rules where employees have specific responsibilities and work within a hierarchy of authority.

• It is often referred to as the 4th branch of government.

• Bureaucrat: A career government employee.

Early Bureaucracy

• Until about 100 years ago, the United States operated under the patronage system.

• Historical Context (1789-1829): Federal service was predominantly staffed by white upper-class elites.

Patronage System

• Also known as the Spoils System.

• Notable figure: Andrew Jackson.

Shift in Bureaucracy

• A significant event prompting a change was the assassination of President Garfield, who was the 20th president.

  • Garfield aimed to reform the bureaucracy and was killed by Charles Guiteau, an unsuccessful office seeker, dubbed as one of the most unusual figures in American history.

• The public’s reaction to Garfield’s assassination led Congress to pass the Civil Service Reform Act in 1883, commonly referred to as the Pendleton Act.

The Pendleton Act and Its Impact

• Established a Civil Service System based on merit.

• Civil Service System: A system governing the selection and management of civil servants.

• Civil Servants: Employees hired based on their qualifications and merit, rather than through political connections.

• Introduction of a General Schedule Rating (G1-G18) for federal positions, along with the creation of the Senior Executive Service (SES).

• The Hatch Act: Limits political activity by civil servants and prohibits top appointees from engaging in certain political activities unless they are approved by Congress.

Development of Bureaucracy

• Development occurred primarily during the Late 19th to Early 20th Century, influenced by key factors:

  • Progressivism: A political movement advocating for reform.

  • Key Legislation:

  • Sherman Antitrust Act: A federal statute that prohibits monopolistic business practices.

  • Federal Reserve Act: Establishes the Federal Reserve System to provide the country with a safe and flexible monetary and financial system.

  • Pure Food and Drug Act (1906): Regulates the safety and labeling of food and pharmaceuticals.

  • Meat Inspection Act (1914): Establishes regulations for the safety and quality of meat.

  • New Deal: Economic programs implemented in response to the Great Depression.

  • Great Society: Major legislative agenda of the 1960s focusing on social programs, civil rights, and educational reform.

  • Regulatory State: Refers to the increased role of government in regulating various sectors.

  • Devolution (1994): The delegation of power from the federal government to state and local governments.

Functions of Bureaucrats

• Regulations: Develop regulations using Notice and Comment Procedures.

• Procurement: The process of acquiring goods and services for government use.

• Providing Services: Services delivered often by street-level bureaucrats, who interact directly with the public.

• Research and Development: Engaging in innovative practices to enhance governmental efficiency.

• Managing and Directing: Includes overseeing various government functions and programs.

• Bureaucrats are classified as experts in specific areas.

Understanding Bureaucratic Challenges

• Red Tape: Complex procedures and regulations that can hinder efficient government operation.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP): Established methods for carrying out bureaucratic functions to ensure consistency and reliability.

Organizing the Bureaucracy

• The organizational structure within the bureaucracy includes:

  • The President: Plays a crucial role in appointing officials and influencing policy.

  • Departments: Major administrative units with different responsibilities.

  • Bureaus and Agencies: Specialized branches focusing on particular functions or services.

  • Independent Executive Agencies: Agencies not under a cabinet department but reporting directly to the President.

  • Government Corporations: Government entities that operate like private businesses and provide services.

  • Quasi-Governmental Agencies: Agencies that possess both governmental responsibilities and private sector characteristics.

  • Independent Regulatory Commissions: Agencies created to regulate a specific economic activity or interest.

  • Foundations: Organizations set up to provide various services and support to specific causes.

Controlling the Bureaucracy

• Mechanisms for controlling the bureaucracy exist at various levels:

  • Congressional Control: Includes oversight responsibilities, power of the purse (budget control), requirement for mandatory reports, and functions of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and inspectors general.

  • Police Patrol Oversight: A proactive method where Congress actively monitors bureaucratic activities and operations.

  • Fire Alarm Oversight: A reactive method where Congress responds to specific problems as they arise.

  • Presidential Control: Strategies include:

  • Development of the SES.

  • Reorganization power subject to congressional approval.

  • Appointment powers and budgetary controls.

  • Judicial Control: Involves the ability to file lawsuits against bureaucratic actions to check their legality and adherence to the law.