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2.12 The Bureaucracy

7 min readfebruary 4, 2023

S

Samantha Howey

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

S

Samantha Howey

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

Introduction

The is a large and complex system of administration consisting of appointed officials. It features a hierarchical authority structure, job specialization, and established rules and procedures. The is responsible for implementing, administering, and enforcing policies, laws, and regulations at the federal level. This is done through a variety of different agencies, such as , commissions, and , each with their own specific areas of responsibility.

In addition to implementing and enforcing policies, the also plays an important role in regulating various industries and activities, such as the environment, finance, and telecommunications. This may include issuing fines and penalties for noncompliance, as well as conducting investigations and enforcement actions to ensure that policies are being followed.

The also interacts with other branches of government, such as the legislative and judicial branches. For example, representatives from federal agencies may testify before Congress on various policy issues, and the may be called upon to provide expert testimony in legal cases.

Overall, the plays a critical role in the functioning of the U.S. government, by carrying out the day-to-day tasks of implementing and enforcing policies and laws, and ensuring that regulations and programs are implemented effectively and efficiently.

Key Questions

  1. What is and why is it important in government?

  2. What is the role of in implementing and enforcing policies and laws in the United States?

  3. How does the interact with other branches of government, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches?

  4. What is the process for creating and modifying bureaucratic agencies and regulations?

  5. How does impact public policy and decision-making at the federal level?

  6. What is the role of in protecting the public interest and serving the needs of citizens?

  7. How is accountable to the public and the political branches of government?

  8. How does the affect the implementation of federal programs and initiatives, such as healthcare, education, and national security?

  9. What is the relationship between and , such as advocacy organizations and corporations?

  10. How does the interact with state and local governments in implementing federal policies and programs?

Key Vocabulary

  • : A large administrative organization that carries out the day-to-day tasks of implementing and enforcing policies and laws.

  • : The branch of government responsible for carrying out laws and policies, and includes the President, Vice President, and the various executive and agencies.

  • : , such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), responsible for creating and enforcing regulations in specific areas of policy.

  • : The permanent, professional, and merit-based workforce of the federal government, responsible for carrying out the day-to-day tasks of the .

  • : A colloquial term used to describe the bureaucratic procedures, regulations, and paperwork that can slow down or impede the efficient functioning of government.

  • : The body of law that governs the creation and implementation of regulations by bureaucratic agencies.

  • : The process by which bureaucratic agencies create and implement regulations, including a period for public comment and potential legal challenges.

  • : Organizations, such as advocacy groups and corporations, that seek to influence public policy and decision-making.

  • : A term used to describe the relationship between , bureaucratic agencies, and congressional committees, in which each entity has a vested interest in preserving the status quo.

  • : The tendency for bureaucratic agencies to expand their responsibilities and authority over time beyond their original intended purpose.

Types of Bureaucratic Agencies

There are several types of bureaucratic agencies in government, including:

  1. : these agencies are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations and are headed by an appointed official who reports directly to the President.

  2. : these agencies operate outside of the control of any one particular department and have a specific mission or function, such as the Federal Reserve or the Environmental Protection Agency.

  3. : these agencies are responsible for enforcing rules and regulations in specific industries, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Federal Communications Commission.

  4. : these are government-owned entities that operate like a business, providing services to the public, such as the .

  5. : these are the largest bureaucratic agencies and are responsible for implementing broad policy areas, such as the or the

The consists of fifteen heads. These are headed by Secretaries (except for the Justice Department, which is headed by the attorney general), who are appointed by the president and then must be approved by the Senate. Examples include the of State, Treasury, and Defense.

The independent , such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FCC), are constitutionally part of the , but operate fairly independent of presidential control. Most are run by commissions of between five and seven members who share power, but the president has the power to name some of the commissions' members.

A government corporation is a government organization that provides a service that could be provided by the private sector. It typically charges for its services and runs like a business. The Postal Service is an example of this because its job can be done by companies in the private sector like UPS, and the Postal Service charges for its services.

Policy Development

An is the term used to describe a relationship that develops between congressional committees, the federal , and during the policy creation process. The relationship between these three groups occurs naturally over time due to the close proximity in which all of them work together, as they are all seeking to maximize their gain during the policy process.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FFiveable%202.jpg?alt=media&token=2ff7ad3b-2acd-40fd-80d7-7de1f6fc638a

refer to the interconnected group of individuals, organizations, and institutions that are concerned with a particular policy issue or set of issues. In the United States, play an important role in shaping public policy by providing information, resources, and expertise to policy makers.

can consist of a wide range of actors, including academic experts, advocacy groups, lobbyists, think tanks, corporations, and media organizations. They often form around a specific policy area, such as healthcare, education, or the environment, and work to influence the policy-making process by providing information and analysis to decision makers.

are important because they can help to bridge the gap between policy makers and the general public. By providing information and analysis on specific policy issues, they can help to inform policy decisions and promote more informed and effective policy outcomes.

However, can also have negative consequences for the policy-making process. For example, if an issue network is dominated by a small number of powerful organizations or interests, it can lead to a skewed or incomplete representation of the public's views and needs. Additionally, the influence of can sometimes lead to policies that prioritize the interests of particular groups over the general public.

Overall, the role of in shaping public policy is complex and multifaceted, and depends on a range of factors, including the structure and influence of the network, the policy issue in question, and the broader political and institutional context.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FFiveable%203.jpg?alt=media&token=b8dbdce1-aad4-47e6-a35c-6bc9e4f1a14e

🎥 Watch: AP GOPO - Policy-making and Iron Triangles

Civil Service

Merit and Reforms 

The spoils system is when politicians grant favors, give contracts, and/or making appointments to office for their friends, supporters, and relatives. The merit system is a system of public employment in which selection and promotion depend on demonstrated performance rather than political patronage, this is the system used today.

The and are examples of reforms made in . The (1883) is a federal law established in 1883 that stipulated that government jobs should be awarded on the basis of merit. 

The (1939) is federal law prohibiting government employees from active participation in partisan politics while on the job. The act forbids federal workers from taking part in partisan political activities, however, they are still allowed to vote in elections.

Important Offices and Laws

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the ’s employment agency. The OPM administers the Exam, publishes lists of job openings, and hires on the basis of merit. The intent of the OPM is to create a competent and professional

investigates charges of agency corruption and incompetence. The board also protects whistleblowers. The was enacted to protect federal employees who disclose "government illegality, waste, and corruption" from adverse consequences related to their employment. This act provides protection to whistleblowers who may receive demotions, pay cuts, or be replaced as an employee.

🎥 Watch: AP GOPO - Understanding the Bureaucracy

Key Terms to Review (28)

Administrative Law

: Administrative law is the body of law that governs the activities of administrative agencies of government including rulemaking, adjudication, enforcement of regulatory agenda etc.

Bureaucracy

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

Cabinet

: This refers to an advisory group selected by the President to aid in making decisions. The cabinet includes heads from each executive department along with other individuals chosen by the president.

Civil Service

: The civil service is a sector of government composed mainly of career bureaucrats hired on professional merit rather than appointed or elected, whose institutional tenure typically survives transitions of political leadership.

Department of Defense

: The Department of Defense oversees everything related to security and defense in America. This includes managing all branches of military service (Army, Navy, Air Force), developing military strategies, procuring weapons systems etc.

Department of Health and Human Services

: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level department of the U.S. federal government tasked with enhancing and protecting the health and well-being of all Americans.

Departments

: These are major administrative units with responsibility for a broad area of government operations. Department status usually indicates a permanent national interest in a particular governmental function, such as defense, commerce, or agriculture.

Executive Agencies

: Executive agencies are units of government under the direct control of the President, responsible for carrying out certain functions assigned by law.

Executive Branch

: The executive branch is responsible for implementing, enforcing, and administering laws. It's headed by the president and includes vice president and Cabinet members.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

: The FTC is an independent agency of the U.S government whose main goals are to promote consumer protection and eliminate harmful competitive business practices.

Government Corporations

: These are government-owned businesses created by Congress to provide a public service that is either not being met by the private sector or is better served by a government entity.

Hatch Act

: The Hatch Act is a federal law passed in 1939 that limits certain political activities of federal employees, as well as some state and local government employees who work in connection with federally funded programs.

Independent Agencies

: Independent agencies are those parts of government not included in cabinet departments or executive agencies; they're established by Congress to address concerns that go beyond the scope of ordinary legislation.

Interest Groups

: Interest groups are organizations or associations that aim to influence public policy in favor of their specific interests.

Iron Triangle

: The iron triangle is a unique relationship between bureaucracy (government agencies), congressmen, and lobbyists that results in the mutual benefit of all three of them.

Issue Networks

: Issue networks are an alliance of various interest groups and individuals who unite in order to promote a common cause or agenda that they believe in. These networks can include public officials, lobbyists, consultants, and experts.

Merit Systems Protection Board

: The Merit Systems Protection Board is an independent quasi-judicial agency established within the executive branch to hear appeals from federal employees about adverse actions taken against them by their agencies.

Mission Creep

: Mission creep refers to the tendency of a project or mission to expand beyond its initial goals, often after initial success.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

: The Office of Personnel Management is a federal agency that manages the civil service of the government. It's responsible for hiring, managing benefits and pensions, and upholding standards for the federal workforce.

Pendleton Act

: The Pendleton Act is a federal law passed in 1883 which mandated that positions within the federal government should be awarded on the basis of merit instead of political affiliation.

Policy Development

: Policy development involves researching, creating, implementing and evaluating policies to address specific issues in society.

Red Tape

: Red tape refers to excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making.

Regulatory Agencies

: These are public authorities or government agencies responsible for exercising autonomous authority over some area of human activity in a regulatory or supervisory capacity.

Rulemaking

: Rulemaking is the process that executive and independent agencies use to create, or promulgate, regulations.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

: The SEC is a federal agency responsible for protecting investors, maintaining fair and efficient markets, and facilitating capital formation. It enforces the laws concerning the trading of stocks and bonds.

United States Postal Service

: The USPS is an independent agency of the executive branch of the U.S government responsible for providing postal service within the United States.

United States Postal Service (USPS)

: The USPS is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for providing postal services in the United States.

Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989

: This act protects federal employees who disclose illegal, wasteful, or fraudulent actions within their government agency from retaliation.

2.12 The Bureaucracy

7 min readfebruary 4, 2023

S

Samantha Howey

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

S

Samantha Howey

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

Introduction

The is a large and complex system of administration consisting of appointed officials. It features a hierarchical authority structure, job specialization, and established rules and procedures. The is responsible for implementing, administering, and enforcing policies, laws, and regulations at the federal level. This is done through a variety of different agencies, such as , commissions, and , each with their own specific areas of responsibility.

In addition to implementing and enforcing policies, the also plays an important role in regulating various industries and activities, such as the environment, finance, and telecommunications. This may include issuing fines and penalties for noncompliance, as well as conducting investigations and enforcement actions to ensure that policies are being followed.

The also interacts with other branches of government, such as the legislative and judicial branches. For example, representatives from federal agencies may testify before Congress on various policy issues, and the may be called upon to provide expert testimony in legal cases.

Overall, the plays a critical role in the functioning of the U.S. government, by carrying out the day-to-day tasks of implementing and enforcing policies and laws, and ensuring that regulations and programs are implemented effectively and efficiently.

Key Questions

  1. What is and why is it important in government?

  2. What is the role of in implementing and enforcing policies and laws in the United States?

  3. How does the interact with other branches of government, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches?

  4. What is the process for creating and modifying bureaucratic agencies and regulations?

  5. How does impact public policy and decision-making at the federal level?

  6. What is the role of in protecting the public interest and serving the needs of citizens?

  7. How is accountable to the public and the political branches of government?

  8. How does the affect the implementation of federal programs and initiatives, such as healthcare, education, and national security?

  9. What is the relationship between and , such as advocacy organizations and corporations?

  10. How does the interact with state and local governments in implementing federal policies and programs?

Key Vocabulary

  • : A large administrative organization that carries out the day-to-day tasks of implementing and enforcing policies and laws.

  • : The branch of government responsible for carrying out laws and policies, and includes the President, Vice President, and the various executive and agencies.

  • : , such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), responsible for creating and enforcing regulations in specific areas of policy.

  • : The permanent, professional, and merit-based workforce of the federal government, responsible for carrying out the day-to-day tasks of the .

  • : A colloquial term used to describe the bureaucratic procedures, regulations, and paperwork that can slow down or impede the efficient functioning of government.

  • : The body of law that governs the creation and implementation of regulations by bureaucratic agencies.

  • : The process by which bureaucratic agencies create and implement regulations, including a period for public comment and potential legal challenges.

  • : Organizations, such as advocacy groups and corporations, that seek to influence public policy and decision-making.

  • : A term used to describe the relationship between , bureaucratic agencies, and congressional committees, in which each entity has a vested interest in preserving the status quo.

  • : The tendency for bureaucratic agencies to expand their responsibilities and authority over time beyond their original intended purpose.

Types of Bureaucratic Agencies

There are several types of bureaucratic agencies in government, including:

  1. : these agencies are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations and are headed by an appointed official who reports directly to the President.

  2. : these agencies operate outside of the control of any one particular department and have a specific mission or function, such as the Federal Reserve or the Environmental Protection Agency.

  3. : these agencies are responsible for enforcing rules and regulations in specific industries, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Federal Communications Commission.

  4. : these are government-owned entities that operate like a business, providing services to the public, such as the .

  5. : these are the largest bureaucratic agencies and are responsible for implementing broad policy areas, such as the or the

The consists of fifteen heads. These are headed by Secretaries (except for the Justice Department, which is headed by the attorney general), who are appointed by the president and then must be approved by the Senate. Examples include the of State, Treasury, and Defense.

The independent , such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FCC), are constitutionally part of the , but operate fairly independent of presidential control. Most are run by commissions of between five and seven members who share power, but the president has the power to name some of the commissions' members.

A government corporation is a government organization that provides a service that could be provided by the private sector. It typically charges for its services and runs like a business. The Postal Service is an example of this because its job can be done by companies in the private sector like UPS, and the Postal Service charges for its services.

Policy Development

An is the term used to describe a relationship that develops between congressional committees, the federal , and during the policy creation process. The relationship between these three groups occurs naturally over time due to the close proximity in which all of them work together, as they are all seeking to maximize their gain during the policy process.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FFiveable%202.jpg?alt=media&token=2ff7ad3b-2acd-40fd-80d7-7de1f6fc638a

refer to the interconnected group of individuals, organizations, and institutions that are concerned with a particular policy issue or set of issues. In the United States, play an important role in shaping public policy by providing information, resources, and expertise to policy makers.

can consist of a wide range of actors, including academic experts, advocacy groups, lobbyists, think tanks, corporations, and media organizations. They often form around a specific policy area, such as healthcare, education, or the environment, and work to influence the policy-making process by providing information and analysis to decision makers.

are important because they can help to bridge the gap between policy makers and the general public. By providing information and analysis on specific policy issues, they can help to inform policy decisions and promote more informed and effective policy outcomes.

However, can also have negative consequences for the policy-making process. For example, if an issue network is dominated by a small number of powerful organizations or interests, it can lead to a skewed or incomplete representation of the public's views and needs. Additionally, the influence of can sometimes lead to policies that prioritize the interests of particular groups over the general public.

Overall, the role of in shaping public policy is complex and multifaceted, and depends on a range of factors, including the structure and influence of the network, the policy issue in question, and the broader political and institutional context.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2FFiveable%203.jpg?alt=media&token=b8dbdce1-aad4-47e6-a35c-6bc9e4f1a14e

🎥 Watch: AP GOPO - Policy-making and Iron Triangles

Civil Service

Merit and Reforms 

The spoils system is when politicians grant favors, give contracts, and/or making appointments to office for their friends, supporters, and relatives. The merit system is a system of public employment in which selection and promotion depend on demonstrated performance rather than political patronage, this is the system used today.

The and are examples of reforms made in . The (1883) is a federal law established in 1883 that stipulated that government jobs should be awarded on the basis of merit. 

The (1939) is federal law prohibiting government employees from active participation in partisan politics while on the job. The act forbids federal workers from taking part in partisan political activities, however, they are still allowed to vote in elections.

Important Offices and Laws

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is the ’s employment agency. The OPM administers the Exam, publishes lists of job openings, and hires on the basis of merit. The intent of the OPM is to create a competent and professional

investigates charges of agency corruption and incompetence. The board also protects whistleblowers. The was enacted to protect federal employees who disclose "government illegality, waste, and corruption" from adverse consequences related to their employment. This act provides protection to whistleblowers who may receive demotions, pay cuts, or be replaced as an employee.

🎥 Watch: AP GOPO - Understanding the Bureaucracy

Key Terms to Review (28)

Administrative Law

: Administrative law is the body of law that governs the activities of administrative agencies of government including rulemaking, adjudication, enforcement of regulatory agenda etc.

Bureaucracy

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

Cabinet

: This refers to an advisory group selected by the President to aid in making decisions. The cabinet includes heads from each executive department along with other individuals chosen by the president.

Civil Service

: The civil service is a sector of government composed mainly of career bureaucrats hired on professional merit rather than appointed or elected, whose institutional tenure typically survives transitions of political leadership.

Department of Defense

: The Department of Defense oversees everything related to security and defense in America. This includes managing all branches of military service (Army, Navy, Air Force), developing military strategies, procuring weapons systems etc.

Department of Health and Human Services

: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level department of the U.S. federal government tasked with enhancing and protecting the health and well-being of all Americans.

Departments

: These are major administrative units with responsibility for a broad area of government operations. Department status usually indicates a permanent national interest in a particular governmental function, such as defense, commerce, or agriculture.

Executive Agencies

: Executive agencies are units of government under the direct control of the President, responsible for carrying out certain functions assigned by law.

Executive Branch

: The executive branch is responsible for implementing, enforcing, and administering laws. It's headed by the president and includes vice president and Cabinet members.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

: The FTC is an independent agency of the U.S government whose main goals are to promote consumer protection and eliminate harmful competitive business practices.

Government Corporations

: These are government-owned businesses created by Congress to provide a public service that is either not being met by the private sector or is better served by a government entity.

Hatch Act

: The Hatch Act is a federal law passed in 1939 that limits certain political activities of federal employees, as well as some state and local government employees who work in connection with federally funded programs.

Independent Agencies

: Independent agencies are those parts of government not included in cabinet departments or executive agencies; they're established by Congress to address concerns that go beyond the scope of ordinary legislation.

Interest Groups

: Interest groups are organizations or associations that aim to influence public policy in favor of their specific interests.

Iron Triangle

: The iron triangle is a unique relationship between bureaucracy (government agencies), congressmen, and lobbyists that results in the mutual benefit of all three of them.

Issue Networks

: Issue networks are an alliance of various interest groups and individuals who unite in order to promote a common cause or agenda that they believe in. These networks can include public officials, lobbyists, consultants, and experts.

Merit Systems Protection Board

: The Merit Systems Protection Board is an independent quasi-judicial agency established within the executive branch to hear appeals from federal employees about adverse actions taken against them by their agencies.

Mission Creep

: Mission creep refers to the tendency of a project or mission to expand beyond its initial goals, often after initial success.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

: The Office of Personnel Management is a federal agency that manages the civil service of the government. It's responsible for hiring, managing benefits and pensions, and upholding standards for the federal workforce.

Pendleton Act

: The Pendleton Act is a federal law passed in 1883 which mandated that positions within the federal government should be awarded on the basis of merit instead of political affiliation.

Policy Development

: Policy development involves researching, creating, implementing and evaluating policies to address specific issues in society.

Red Tape

: Red tape refers to excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making.

Regulatory Agencies

: These are public authorities or government agencies responsible for exercising autonomous authority over some area of human activity in a regulatory or supervisory capacity.

Rulemaking

: Rulemaking is the process that executive and independent agencies use to create, or promulgate, regulations.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

: The SEC is a federal agency responsible for protecting investors, maintaining fair and efficient markets, and facilitating capital formation. It enforces the laws concerning the trading of stocks and bonds.

United States Postal Service

: The USPS is an independent agency of the executive branch of the U.S government responsible for providing postal service within the United States.

United States Postal Service (USPS)

: The USPS is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for providing postal services in the United States.

Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989

: This act protects federal employees who disclose illegal, wasteful, or fraudulent actions within their government agency from retaliation.


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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.