Overview
This lecture reviews the complexities of the U.S. policy process, focusing on federalism, separation of powers, bureaucracy, privatization, and related pros and cons.
Features of U.S. Policymaking
- Policymaking in the U.S. is slow and incremental due to gridlock, partisanship, and polarization.
- Deliberate system obstacles were designed for stability and predictability, but can delay necessary policies.
- Fragmentation occurs because multiple levels of government and political actors interact.
Federalism in the United States
- Federalism is the division of power among federal, state, and local governments.
- Dual Federalism (pre-1930s): clear separation of federal and state powers ("layered cake").
- Cooperative Federalism (1930s–1960s): shared powers, federal influence grows ("marble cake").
- Creative Federalism (1960s–1980s): federal government sets agendas, provides resources ("picket fence").
- New Federalism (1980s–2000s): power shift back to states, partially reversed after 9/11.
- Progressive Federalism (2009–present): states can exceed federal benchmarks, especially on issues like pollution.
Separation of Powers
- Both state and federal governments split power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- Legislative branch creates laws; executive implements policies and budgets; judicial interprets and shapes policy.
- Judicial branch's policy influence increased after overturning the Chevron deference.
Bureaucracy and Policy Implementation
- Bureaucracy comprises agencies responsible for implementing policy, mainly under the executive branch.
- Experts in the bureaucracy once had discretion in policy details, but recent legal changes restrict this.
Iron Triangle and Policy Networks
- The "iron triangle" model describes policy-making among Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups.
- The model now includes unions, media, religious groups, and businesses—forming policy networks.
Public vs. Private Sector and Privatization
- Privatization involves the transfer of public services/assets to private entities.
- Types: complete privatization (full sale), partial privatization (shared ownership), and service contracting (outsourcing).
- Pros: efficiency, revenue, improved service quality, reduced public sector burden.
- Cons: profit over public interest, risk of monopolies, job losses, and less accountability.
- Example: Private prisons have higher recidivism rates and fewer rehabilitation programs, raising ethical concerns.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Federalism — division of power among federal, state, and local governments.
- Separation of Powers — division among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- Bureaucracy — agencies responsible for executing and implementing public policy.
- Iron Triangle — model showing policy interaction between Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups.
- Privatization — transferring public sector responsibilities to private companies.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the article on Chevron deference (link in course platform).
- Watch videos about the Chevron deference and its significance.
- Prepare for next lecture on government size and spending.