Federal Bureaucracy

Federal Bureaucracy

• The federal bureaucracy carries out responsibilities under the executive branch.

• It's considered a powerful "fourth branch" due to its responsibilities.

Structure of the Bureaucracy

• Cabinet Secretaries: Leaders of the 15 executive departments.

• Agencies: Subdivisions within departments working to achieve departmental goals.

• Commissions: Independent regulatory groups with specific purposes (e.g., FCC).

• Government Corporations: Hybrids of businesses and government agencies (e.g., Postal Service).

Functions of the Bureaucracy

• Write and enforce regulations.

• Issue fines for violations.

• Agency heads testify before Congress.

Iron Triangle

• Relationship between agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups to create policy.

Delegated Discretionary Authority

• Authority given to the bureaucracy by Congress to make rules and implement laws.

• Congress passes vague laws, and the bureaucracy creates specific rules.

• Example: IRS setting rules for income tax collection.

Key Agencies

• Department of Homeland Security

• Department of Transportation

• Department of Veterans Affairs

• Department of Education

• Environmental Protection Agency

• Federal Elections Commission

• Securities and Exchange Commission

Checks on the Bureaucracy

• Congressional Oversight:

  • Committees call agency directors to testify and give reports.

  • Congress controls agency funding.

• Presidential Checks:

  • Firing people.

• Judicial Checks:

  • Citizens can challenge decisions in court if they believe they are unconstitutional.

  • Courts generally uphold agency authority unless laws are blatantly violated.