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2.14 Holding the Bureaucracy Accountable

7 min readfebruary 4, 2023

S

Samantha Howey

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

S

Samantha Howey

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

Introduction

Holding accountable means ensuring that government agencies and officials are following the rules and regulations, using resources efficiently and effectively, and providing services to the public in a fair and transparent manner. This can be done through various means such as internal and external audits, performance evaluations, and dissemination of information, and a strong system of through the legislative and judicial branches of government. Ultimately, in requires active participation and engagement from both government officials and citizens to promote , good , and responsible use of public resources.

Key Questions

Here are some key questions to ask when evaluating the of :

  1. Are government agencies following the rules and regulations set forth by law?

  2. Are government officials using public resources efficiently and effectively?

  3. Are government services being provided in a fair and transparent manner?

  4. Is there a strong system of in place to prevent abuse of power?

  5. Are internal and external audits being conducted to monitor performance and ensure ?

  6. Are performance evaluations being conducted to measure the effectiveness of government programs and services?

  7. Is information about government activities readily available to the public?

  8. Are there mechanisms in place to allow citizens to voice their concerns and provide feedback?

  9. Is there a culture of and within the ?

Key Vocabulary

  • : A system of government administration characterized by hierarchical authority, extensive regulations, and a division of labor.

  • : The state of being accountable, or being responsible for one's actions and decisions, and being answerable for their consequences.

  • : The quality of being transparent, or open and accessible, and allowing for the free flow of information.

  • : The process of decision-making and the exercise of authority in organizations, communities, and societies.

  • : A system of interlocking powers and responsibilities among different branches of government, aimed at preventing any one branch from exerting too much power.

  • : The process of assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of government programs and services.

  • : A systematic and independent examination of financial, operational, or performance information to provide assurance that the information is accurate and in with established criteria.

  • : The dissemination of information about government activities and financial performance to the public.

  • : A rule or directive issued by a government agency to govern the activities of private entities and individuals.

  • : The act of adhering to rules, regulations, and standards set forth by a governing authority.

Congressional Oversight

refers to the authority of the U.S. Congress to monitor and regulate the actions of the executive branch and its agencies, as well as to ensure that they are following the law and carrying out their responsibilities effectively. This is achieved through various means such as holding hearings and investigations, requesting and reviewing government reports and documents, and using their power of the purse to control the budget of executive agencies. helps ensure that the executive branch is accountable to the public and to the legislature, and helps prevent abuse of power and the waste of public resources.

Examples:

  • The , where the U.S. Congress conducted investigations and held hearings to uncover the truth about the Nixon Administration's involvement in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.

  • The , where the U.S. Congress conducted investigations and held hearings to determine what happened during the attack and how the government responded.

Executive Direction

refers to the management and leadership provided by the executive branch of government to guide and shape the policies, programs, and operations of the government. This includes setting goals and objectives, developing plans and strategies, providing guidance and support, and evaluating performance. The executive branch is responsible for implementing laws and regulations, and for managing and directing the work of federal agencies and departments. Effective is crucial for ensuring that the government operates efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with the laws and regulations, and for ensuring that the government is accountable to the public.

Examples:

  • The creation of the after the September 11th attacks, which brought together multiple government agencies under a single department with a unified mission to protect the country from terrorism.

  • The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, creating a comprehensive health care reform system to provide affordable health care to all Americans.

Judicial Rulings

refer to the decisions made by a court of law, including the Supreme Court, in response to legal cases and disputes. These decisions serve as a means of interpreting and applying the law, and they have the power of binding precedent, meaning that they must be followed by lower courts in similar cases. can also have a significant impact on public policy, as they may determine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions, and set legal standards and norms. They play an important role in maintaining the balance of power between the branches of government, and in upholding individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the constitution.

Examples:

  • , a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in which the Court declared that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, paving the way for the end of segregation in America.

  • , a U.S. Supreme Court case in which the Court held that a woman has the constitutional right to have an abortion, legalizing abortion in the United States.

🎥 Watch: AP GOPO - The Federal Budget

Authorization of spending

refers to the process of granting legislative approval for the allocation of funds for specific programs, projects, or initiatives. This authorization is typically provided through legislation, such as appropriations bills, which determine the amount of money that can be spent on a particular program or activity. is a critical component of the budget process, as it provides the necessary legal authority for the executive branch to spend money on specific programs and activities. It also helps to ensure that the government's spending is aligned with its priorities and goals, and that public resources are being used effectively and efficiently. Congress has the constitutional authority to authorize spending, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring that the government's spending is subject to legislative oversight and approval.

Example:

An example of is the passage of the annual federal budget by Congress. The budget outlines the total amount of money that the government will spend in a fiscal year, and it allocates funds to various federal agencies and programs. For example, the budget might include funding for the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services, among others. The budget also includes provisions for mandatory spending programs, such as Social Security, and discretionary spending programs, such as scientific research and development. The provided by the federal budget allows the government to carry out its responsibilities and obligations, and to fund programs and initiatives that are important to the American people.

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)

The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) is a part of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) within the Executive Office of the President of the United States. It is responsible for reviewing and coordinating federal government regulations, with the goal of ensuring that regulations are effective, efficient, and in with the President's policy agenda. OIRA plays a key role in the regulatory process, conducting cost-benefit analyses, reviewing agency regulations, and providing guidance to agencies on how to improve their regulations. The OIRA also provides a central point of coordination for agencies to share information, resolve interagency disputes, and track the progress of regulations. OIRA's goal is to ensure that the regulatory process is transparent, effective, and accountable, and that regulations are aligned with the President's policy objectives and the interests of the American people.

Example: An example of the role of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the regulatory process is the review of the . In 2014, the EPA proposed new regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, known as the Clean Power Plan. Before the regulations could take effect, they had to undergo a review by the OIRA, which evaluated the potential costs and benefits of the plan and provided guidance to the EPA on how to improve the regulations. After the review, the OIRA approved the regulations, which were then implemented by the EPA. The OIRA's review helped to ensure that the Clean Power Plan was based on sound science, economically justified, and aligned with the President's policy objectives.

Key Terms to Review (22)

Accountability

: Accountability refers to individuals, organizations, or governments being held responsible for their actions and decisions.

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

: The ACA, also known as Obamacare, is a comprehensive healthcare reform law enacted in March 2010. It was designed to extend health insurance coverage to millions of uninsured Americans.

Audit

: An audit is an official inspection of an organization's accounts, typically by an independent body. In the context of government, it refers to the examination of records or financial accounts to check their accuracy.

Authorization of Spending

: The process by which Congress approves the spending of money for certain purposes.

Benghazi Attack

: The Benghazi Attack refers to a series of coordinated attacks against two United States government facilities in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012. These attacks resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.

Brown v. Board of Education

: A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional.

Bureaucracy

: A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Checks and Balances

: Checks and balances is a system in which each branch of government has some measure of influence over the other branches and may choose to block procedures of the other branches.

Compliance

: Compliance refers to the act of conforming, acquiescing, or yielding to a request, rule, or regulation. In the context of government and politics, it often refers to how well individuals or organizations follow laws and regulations.

Congressional Oversight

: Congressional oversight refers to review, monitoring, and supervision of federal agencies, programs, activities, and policy implementation carried out by Congress. It is one way that Congress checks on how effectively executive branch agencies are implementing laws.

Department of Homeland Security

: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a cabinet department responsible for public security, roughly comparable to interior ministries in other countries. Its duties include anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cybersecurity, and disaster prevention and management.

Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Power Plan

: The EPA's Clean Power Plan is a policy established in 2015 aimed at combating global warming by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from electrical power generation by 32% by 2030, relative to 2005 levels.

Executive Direction

: Executive direction is guidance provided by top-level management that sets the course for an organization's operations and decision-making processes.

Governance

: Governance refers to the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). In terms of government, it's how public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources.

Judicial Rulings

: Judicial rulings are decisions made by judges in court cases which establish legal precedents and interpret laws.

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)

: A federal office within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) responsible for reviewing draft regulations proposed by executive agencies.

Performance Evaluation

: Performance evaluation is a systematic process to assess an individual's job performance and productivity in relation to certain pre-established criteria and organizational objectives.

Public Reporting

: Public reporting involves sharing information about performance or operations openly with the public. For governments, this could mean disclosing budgetary spending details or progress on policy implementation.

Regulation

: Regulation refers to the rules or directives made and maintained by an authority. In government, it's about creating and enforcing rules to manage society's economic and social activities.

Roe v. Wade

: A landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973 that established a woman's legal right to an abortion under certain circumstances.

Transparency

: In government, transparency refers to the obligation of public officials to provide clear, accessible information about their actions and decisions.

Watergate Scandal

: The Watergate Scandal was a major political scandal in the United States involving the administration of President Richard Nixon from 1972-74. It resulted from a break-in at Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., and the Nixon administration's attempted cover-up of its involvement.

2.14 Holding the Bureaucracy Accountable

7 min readfebruary 4, 2023

S

Samantha Howey

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

S

Samantha Howey

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

Introduction

Holding accountable means ensuring that government agencies and officials are following the rules and regulations, using resources efficiently and effectively, and providing services to the public in a fair and transparent manner. This can be done through various means such as internal and external audits, performance evaluations, and dissemination of information, and a strong system of through the legislative and judicial branches of government. Ultimately, in requires active participation and engagement from both government officials and citizens to promote , good , and responsible use of public resources.

Key Questions

Here are some key questions to ask when evaluating the of :

  1. Are government agencies following the rules and regulations set forth by law?

  2. Are government officials using public resources efficiently and effectively?

  3. Are government services being provided in a fair and transparent manner?

  4. Is there a strong system of in place to prevent abuse of power?

  5. Are internal and external audits being conducted to monitor performance and ensure ?

  6. Are performance evaluations being conducted to measure the effectiveness of government programs and services?

  7. Is information about government activities readily available to the public?

  8. Are there mechanisms in place to allow citizens to voice their concerns and provide feedback?

  9. Is there a culture of and within the ?

Key Vocabulary

  • : A system of government administration characterized by hierarchical authority, extensive regulations, and a division of labor.

  • : The state of being accountable, or being responsible for one's actions and decisions, and being answerable for their consequences.

  • : The quality of being transparent, or open and accessible, and allowing for the free flow of information.

  • : The process of decision-making and the exercise of authority in organizations, communities, and societies.

  • : A system of interlocking powers and responsibilities among different branches of government, aimed at preventing any one branch from exerting too much power.

  • : The process of assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of government programs and services.

  • : A systematic and independent examination of financial, operational, or performance information to provide assurance that the information is accurate and in with established criteria.

  • : The dissemination of information about government activities and financial performance to the public.

  • : A rule or directive issued by a government agency to govern the activities of private entities and individuals.

  • : The act of adhering to rules, regulations, and standards set forth by a governing authority.

Congressional Oversight

refers to the authority of the U.S. Congress to monitor and regulate the actions of the executive branch and its agencies, as well as to ensure that they are following the law and carrying out their responsibilities effectively. This is achieved through various means such as holding hearings and investigations, requesting and reviewing government reports and documents, and using their power of the purse to control the budget of executive agencies. helps ensure that the executive branch is accountable to the public and to the legislature, and helps prevent abuse of power and the waste of public resources.

Examples:

  • The , where the U.S. Congress conducted investigations and held hearings to uncover the truth about the Nixon Administration's involvement in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.

  • The , where the U.S. Congress conducted investigations and held hearings to determine what happened during the attack and how the government responded.

Executive Direction

refers to the management and leadership provided by the executive branch of government to guide and shape the policies, programs, and operations of the government. This includes setting goals and objectives, developing plans and strategies, providing guidance and support, and evaluating performance. The executive branch is responsible for implementing laws and regulations, and for managing and directing the work of federal agencies and departments. Effective is crucial for ensuring that the government operates efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with the laws and regulations, and for ensuring that the government is accountable to the public.

Examples:

  • The creation of the after the September 11th attacks, which brought together multiple government agencies under a single department with a unified mission to protect the country from terrorism.

  • The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, creating a comprehensive health care reform system to provide affordable health care to all Americans.

Judicial Rulings

refer to the decisions made by a court of law, including the Supreme Court, in response to legal cases and disputes. These decisions serve as a means of interpreting and applying the law, and they have the power of binding precedent, meaning that they must be followed by lower courts in similar cases. can also have a significant impact on public policy, as they may determine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions, and set legal standards and norms. They play an important role in maintaining the balance of power between the branches of government, and in upholding individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the constitution.

Examples:

  • , a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in which the Court declared that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, paving the way for the end of segregation in America.

  • , a U.S. Supreme Court case in which the Court held that a woman has the constitutional right to have an abortion, legalizing abortion in the United States.

🎥 Watch: AP GOPO - The Federal Budget

Authorization of spending

refers to the process of granting legislative approval for the allocation of funds for specific programs, projects, or initiatives. This authorization is typically provided through legislation, such as appropriations bills, which determine the amount of money that can be spent on a particular program or activity. is a critical component of the budget process, as it provides the necessary legal authority for the executive branch to spend money on specific programs and activities. It also helps to ensure that the government's spending is aligned with its priorities and goals, and that public resources are being used effectively and efficiently. Congress has the constitutional authority to authorize spending, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring that the government's spending is subject to legislative oversight and approval.

Example:

An example of is the passage of the annual federal budget by Congress. The budget outlines the total amount of money that the government will spend in a fiscal year, and it allocates funds to various federal agencies and programs. For example, the budget might include funding for the Department of Defense, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services, among others. The budget also includes provisions for mandatory spending programs, such as Social Security, and discretionary spending programs, such as scientific research and development. The provided by the federal budget allows the government to carry out its responsibilities and obligations, and to fund programs and initiatives that are important to the American people.

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)

The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) is a part of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) within the Executive Office of the President of the United States. It is responsible for reviewing and coordinating federal government regulations, with the goal of ensuring that regulations are effective, efficient, and in with the President's policy agenda. OIRA plays a key role in the regulatory process, conducting cost-benefit analyses, reviewing agency regulations, and providing guidance to agencies on how to improve their regulations. The OIRA also provides a central point of coordination for agencies to share information, resolve interagency disputes, and track the progress of regulations. OIRA's goal is to ensure that the regulatory process is transparent, effective, and accountable, and that regulations are aligned with the President's policy objectives and the interests of the American people.

Example: An example of the role of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the regulatory process is the review of the . In 2014, the EPA proposed new regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, known as the Clean Power Plan. Before the regulations could take effect, they had to undergo a review by the OIRA, which evaluated the potential costs and benefits of the plan and provided guidance to the EPA on how to improve the regulations. After the review, the OIRA approved the regulations, which were then implemented by the EPA. The OIRA's review helped to ensure that the Clean Power Plan was based on sound science, economically justified, and aligned with the President's policy objectives.

Key Terms to Review (22)

Accountability

: Accountability refers to individuals, organizations, or governments being held responsible for their actions and decisions.

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

: The ACA, also known as Obamacare, is a comprehensive healthcare reform law enacted in March 2010. It was designed to extend health insurance coverage to millions of uninsured Americans.

Audit

: An audit is an official inspection of an organization's accounts, typically by an independent body. In the context of government, it refers to the examination of records or financial accounts to check their accuracy.

Authorization of Spending

: The process by which Congress approves the spending of money for certain purposes.

Benghazi Attack

: The Benghazi Attack refers to a series of coordinated attacks against two United States government facilities in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012. These attacks resulted in the deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.

Brown v. Board of Education

: A landmark Supreme Court case in 1954 that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional.

Bureaucracy

: A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Checks and Balances

: Checks and balances is a system in which each branch of government has some measure of influence over the other branches and may choose to block procedures of the other branches.

Compliance

: Compliance refers to the act of conforming, acquiescing, or yielding to a request, rule, or regulation. In the context of government and politics, it often refers to how well individuals or organizations follow laws and regulations.

Congressional Oversight

: Congressional oversight refers to review, monitoring, and supervision of federal agencies, programs, activities, and policy implementation carried out by Congress. It is one way that Congress checks on how effectively executive branch agencies are implementing laws.

Department of Homeland Security

: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a cabinet department responsible for public security, roughly comparable to interior ministries in other countries. Its duties include anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cybersecurity, and disaster prevention and management.

Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Power Plan

: The EPA's Clean Power Plan is a policy established in 2015 aimed at combating global warming by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from electrical power generation by 32% by 2030, relative to 2005 levels.

Executive Direction

: Executive direction is guidance provided by top-level management that sets the course for an organization's operations and decision-making processes.

Governance

: Governance refers to the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). In terms of government, it's how public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources.

Judicial Rulings

: Judicial rulings are decisions made by judges in court cases which establish legal precedents and interpret laws.

Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)

: A federal office within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) responsible for reviewing draft regulations proposed by executive agencies.

Performance Evaluation

: Performance evaluation is a systematic process to assess an individual's job performance and productivity in relation to certain pre-established criteria and organizational objectives.

Public Reporting

: Public reporting involves sharing information about performance or operations openly with the public. For governments, this could mean disclosing budgetary spending details or progress on policy implementation.

Regulation

: Regulation refers to the rules or directives made and maintained by an authority. In government, it's about creating and enforcing rules to manage society's economic and social activities.

Roe v. Wade

: A landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1973 that established a woman's legal right to an abortion under certain circumstances.

Transparency

: In government, transparency refers to the obligation of public officials to provide clear, accessible information about their actions and decisions.

Watergate Scandal

: The Watergate Scandal was a major political scandal in the United States involving the administration of President Richard Nixon from 1972-74. It resulted from a break-in at Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C., and the Nixon administration's attempted cover-up of its involvement.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.