This document summarizes the structure and functions of the federal bureaucracy in the United States. It outlines that the federal bureaucracy is made up of cabinet-level departments, independent agencies, regulatory boards and commissions, and government corporations. It also describes the roles that bureaucrats play as administrators who implement laws, rule makers who create detailed regulations, and judges who interpret laws. Additionally, it discusses how congressional committees, interest groups, and the courts provide checks on bureaucratic power and influence policymaking.
7. Charged with carrying out responsibilities of
federal government
Includes executive branch departments,
agencies, boards, and commissions
9. Cabinet-Level Departments
Independent Agencies
Regulatory Boards and Commissions
Government Corporations
11. Fifteen Departments
Secretary appointed by president
What issues fall under the cabinet?
Foreign Relations
Agriculture
Education
13. Enforce regulations and create policy
Single head appointed by president
Narrow areas of jurisdiction
Size varies
14. Agency run by a small number of officials
Appointed by the president, serve a fixed term
Sector of economy or political arena
Federal
Communications
Commission
Food and Drug
Administration
18. HIERARCHY
Clear chain of command
SPECIALIZATION
Tasks are divided
19. EXPLICIT RULES
Limited in personal
discretion
Standardization and
predictability
MERIT
Hiring and promotions
based on objective criteria
Subjective measures
(e.g. family connections)
should NOT play role
22. Implements and administers laws
Serves in professional and non-partisan way
Examples:
Park Rangers
Police Officers
23. Writes details of legislation
Bureaucracy is delegated legislative authority,
known as bureaucratic discretion
Importance of judgment
Decisions not without safeguards
Federal Register and Public
24. Interpreting the law in certain cases
“Rules of the Game”
Responsible for ensuring compliance
Rulings can be overturned by Congress
26. Appointment Power
The Budget Process
Government Reorganization
“The Power of Persuasion”
27. Relationship between government actors:
Congressional Committee
Interest Group
Bureaucratic Agency
28. Congressional
Committee
Select Committee
on Aging
Interest Group
American Association of
Retired Persons
Bureaucratic
Agency
Social Security
Administration
29. Powerful check
Members’ views on implementation
Committees with jurisdiction over an issue
can request agency testify before them
Congress sets funding levels for agencies
30. Agencies sued by individuals and businesses
Courts play minor role in process
Bureaucratic deference
Agencies being out of Court’s reach
Time constraints