Chapter 9: Administration and Bureaucracy

Study Notes

Bureaucracy refers to a large organization of appointed officials responsible for implementing laws and policies; it serves as the permanent government compared to temporary elected officials.
All large organizations, including the armed forces, schools, hospitals, and corporations, have bureaucracies, which primarily constitute the career civil service.

Hierarchical organization maintains a clear chain of command.
Specialization promotes expertise in specific job roles.
Appointment and hiring based on technical qualifications ensure competency.
Fixed salaries offer consistent and predictable financial remuneration.
Bureaucracy is a career, providing sole employment that encourages long-term service.
Bureaucrats do not own the office and are subject to controls and discipline.
Promotions are determined by assessments from superiors.

Administration: Executes and enforces laws; implements public policies; educates the public about programs and services.
Policy Formulation: Bureaucrats develop policies initiated by the legislature, crafting detailed proposals and routine business practices.
Regulation: Civil servants update regulations annually to protect public welfare, exemplified by agencies like the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia.
Licensing: Government imposes standards through licensing, targeting illegal activities related to professions (e.g., teaching permits, vehicle licenses).
Services: Various agencies, such as the Immigration Department, deliver essential public services.
Information Gathering: Agencies collect data to inform policy decisions and enforce laws, illustrated by the Department of Statistics in Malaysia.

Executive Controls: Top political leaders control bureaucrats through appointments and budget funding, influencing management and operations.
Administrative Controls: Internal processes ensure self-regulation within bureaucratic structures through coordination and discipline.
Legislative Controls: Parliamentary commissions conduct inquiries into bureaucratic actions and uphold accountability, such as the Government Accountability Office in the US.
Judicial Controls: Courts serve as watchdogs over bureaucratic performance, enabling citizens to challenge administrative conduct through legal mechanisms like writs.
Constitutional Controls: Regulations require bureaucrats to respect fundamental rights outlined in national constitutions.
Ombudsman: Designed to address citizen complaints about bureaucratic unfairness and arbitrariness, originating from Sweden and now present in multiple countries.
Cutting: Politicians attempt to reduce bureaucratic sizes but face public resistance tied to program cuts.
Decentralization: Local decision-making can relieve federal administration pressures but can also lead to increased corruption and inefficiency.
Informal Controls: Media and public pressure groups provide informal checks on bureaucratic actions, empowering citizens to voice concerns through multiple channels.

Approximately 15% of American civil servants are federal; total civil servants number about 21.5 million.
Local governments employ around 15 million, while state governments hire about 4 million, highlighting local governance's significant role in public service delivery.