Heimlich's History: Federal Bureaucracy

Overview

• Focus on Unit 2 of AP Government curriculum.
• Topic: How the federal bureaucracy carries out the will of the executive branch.
• Key Objective: Explain how the federal bureaucracy uses delegated discretionary authority for rulemaking and implementation.

Federal Bureaucracy

• Made up of millions who work in agencies and departments under the executive branch.
• Executive branch's role: Execute laws passed by Congress.
  • President: Figurehead responsible for law execution.
• Bureaucracy: Executes laws because a single president cannot oversee everything.
• Departments and agencies create specific rules and regulations to enforce laws.

Delegated Discretionary Authority

• Bureaucratic agencies have no constitutional authority; power is delegated to enforce laws.
• Agencies filled with experts have discretion to decide law implementation specifics.
• Rule-making authority: Agencies make specific rules for law implementation.

Example: The IRS

• 16th Amendment (1913): Establishes income tax.
• IRS: Bureaucratic agency responsible for tax rule-making.
  • Decides tax due dates, payment methods, etc.

Key Bureaucratic Agencies and Their Authority

1. Department of Homeland Security

   • Protects against terrorism, maintains border control.
   • Sets rules for immigration and asylum.

2. Department of Transportation

   • Manages transportation (highway, air travel).
   • Sets rules for flight attendant work hours/rest.

3. Department of Veteran Affairs

   • Manages welfare of veterans.
   • Sets rules for veterans hospitals, education, and home loans.

4. Department of Education

   • Manages state implementation of federal education standards.
   • Sets rules for federal grants and qualifications.

5. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

   • Protects environment and human health.
   • Sets regulations preventing nuclear waste disposal in rivers.

6. Federal Elections Commission

   • Enforces campaign finance laws.
   • Sets rules for political candidate qualification and fundraising.

7. Securities and Exchange Commission

   • Regulates the stock market and prevents fraud.
   • Enforces rules against insider trading.

Conclusion

• Understanding these agencies and their authorities is crucial for AP Government success.
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