Bureaucracy: Executive Branch Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the main goal of the President and White House Staff in relation to bureaucracy?

To carry out the President’s agenda. (correct)

To create new laws.

To manage state governments.

To oversee the legislative process.

Which of the following entities has a single function and reports directly to the President?

Government Corporations

Independent Executive Agencies (correct)

Independent Regulatory Commissions

Cabinet Departments

What can cause Independent Regulatory Commissions to behave more favorably towards industries rather than consumers?

Increased funding from Congress.

Industry capture. (correct)

Direct Presidential oversight.

Public interest advocates.

Which department was the most recent to be created following the events of 9/11?

Department of Homeland Security Signup and view all the answers

What is 'legislative intent' primarily concerned with?

How laws should be executed. Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a characteristic of Independent Executive Agencies?

They are embedded within cabinet departments. Signup and view all the answers

How do Independent Regulatory Commissions primarily function?

By making and implementing regulations. Signup and view all the answers

What potential issue arises when a bureaucratic agency implements laws differently than intended by Congress?

Misalignment with legislative intent. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'bureaucracy' literally mean?

Rule by desk Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main criticisms of the merit system in the bureaucracy?

It leads to complacency and inflexible workers Signup and view all the answers

Which function of the federal bureaucracy includes implementing laws and carrying out executive orders?

Enforcement Signup and view all the answers

Why might Congress grant policy-making discretion to federal agencies?

Agencies are more experienced in certain areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of the federal bureaucracy in maintaining order and safety?

To protect from violence and disasters Signup and view all the answers

The organizational structure of the bureaucracy is best described as:

Hierarchical and specialized Signup and view all the answers

What is bureaucratic rule-making primarily concerned with?

Issuing guidelines for policy implementation Signup and view all the answers

What is one important aspect of the hiring process within the bureaucracy?

Positions are filled based on a merit system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bureaucracy: Structure of the Executive Branch

Bureaucracy: Government organizations implementing public policy, staffed by experienced officials. Hierarchical structure with specialized staffs, ideally free of political accountability, though subject to Congressional budget and oversight. Employs a merit system for hiring, reducing patronage and ensuring expertise.

Criticisms of the Merit System

Difficulty in firing underperforming employees due to civil service protections.
This can lead to complacency and inflexibility among employees.

Functions of the Federal Bureaucracy

Maintaining order and safety: Protecting against domestic and foreign threats, natural disasters (e.g., DoD, DHS, Secret Service, FEMA).
Implementing laws: Carrying out Congressional laws and Presidential executive orders.
Regulations: Issuing rules impacting the public (e.g., EPA's clean air standards). This is a major source of bureaucratic power, called bureaucratic rule-making.

Bureaucratic Rule-Making

Guidelines issued by government agencies detailing policy implementation.
Reasons Congress delegates rule-making: Lack of expertise, avoiding blame for unpopular policies, efficiency, time constraints, easier agreement.
Concerns: Separation of powers issues, ensuring legislative intent is followed. Legislative intent: The intended implementation of a law, which may not always be explicitly clear.

Organization of the Bureaucracy ( Closest to the President)

President and White House Staff: Works directly with the president, loyal to the presidential agenda, doesn't require Senate approval.

The Federal Bureaucracy’s Organization

Cabinet Departments: Created by Congress (oldest: State, Treasury, War/Defense; newest: Homeland Security).
Independent Executive Agencies: Established by Congress, operate outside cabinet departments, report directly to the President, possess a single function, and offer independence from potentially hostile departments (e.g., Social Security Administration, CIA, NASA, EPA).
Independent Regulatory Commissions (IRCs): Regulate specific economic activities (e.g., FCC, Federal Reserve Board). Create and implement rules to protect the public interest, often addressing complexities Congress can’t handle. Can be susceptible to industry influence ("capture"), leading to pro-business rather than pro-consumer outcomes. Examples: Federal Reserve Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Government Corporations: Not included in provided text.

Checks and Balances

The text does not explicitly detail checks and balances, but it can be inferred from the discussion of Congressional oversight on the budget and the potential for conflict between the President and Independently operated agencies.

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Description

Explore the structure and functions of the federal bureaucracy, including its hierarchical organization and implementation of public policy. Understand the criticisms of the merit system and its impact on employee performance and agency efficiency. This quiz will test your knowledge of the roles played by various government agencies.