Lecture on Federal Bureaucracy

Introduction

• Federal bureaucracy: Organization of non-elected government officials.
• Roles include implementing laws passed by Congress, enforcing executive orders, developing regulations, and administering government programs.
• Examples: Federal meat inspectors, Veterans Affairs (VA), US Postal Service.

Bureaucracy Functions

• Implement laws and executive orders.
• Develop and enforce rules and regulations.
• Administer government programs (e.g., Social Security).

Bureaucrats: Myths and Realities

• Common myth: Americans dislike bureaucrats.
• Truth: Bureaucracies are a way to organize large organizations and many citizens report favorable interactions.
• Another myth: Bureaucracies are increasing.
  • Reality: Federal bureaucracy is shrinking; state and local bureaucracies are growing.

Civil Servants

• Distinction between patronage (political factors) and merit-based systems (skill and talent).
• Patronage system: Jobs based on who you know; corrupt and inefficient.
• Merit-based system: Introduced with the Pendleton Act (1883); hiring based on skills.
• Hatch Act (1939): Prohibits political activities by civil servants.
• Civil servants are protected from being fired for political reasons.

Organization of Federal Bureaucracy

• Cabinet Departments: 15 departments, each with its own purpose and policy area.
  • Example: Health and Human Services includes FDA and CDC.
• Independent Regulatory Commissions: Regulate various aspects of economy and society.
  • Example: FCC, SEC.
• Government Corporations: Provide services that could be private sector roles.
  • Example: US Postal Service.
• Independent Executive Agencies: Not part of other categories.
  • Example: EPA, NASA, CIA.

Bureaucracy as Implementers

• Implement policies by working out details.
• Develop guidelines, coordinate resources.
• Issues: Vague laws, lack of resources, lack of authority, standard operating procedures, fragmentation.

Discretionary Authority

• Agencies have the power to choose courses of action and set policies.
• Examples of use: Department of Homeland Security, EPA.

Privatization and Regulation

• Shift towards privatization since 1980s, inspired by innovation and performance incentives.
• Problems with privatization: No-bid contracts, lack of accountability.
• Regulation is essential but controversial.
  • Example: Interstate Commerce Commission (1887).
  • Growth of regulation in Progressive Era, New Deal.

Control and Accountability

• Presidential Control: Appointing agency heads, issuing executive orders, budget influence.
• Congressional Control: Influence appointments, control budget, hold oversight hearings.
• Judicial Control: Courts can rule laws or executive orders unconstitutional.

Iron Triangles and Issue Networks

• Iron Triangles: Strong relationship between interest groups, regulating agencies, and congressional committees.
• Issue Networks: Various groups influencing policy-making.

Conclusion

• Bureaucracies are active in policy-making, not just implementing orders.
• Debate on government size and scope continues, with state and local bureaucracies growing while federal shrinks.
• Public interactions with bureaucracies often favorable.

Ensure to review these points for a better understanding of federal bureaucracy in the context of AP Government.