United states government Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Warm-Up Write your answers to these three Review Questions: 1) What is a “bureaucracy”? 2) What are the three main functions of the federal bureaucracy? 3) What are the four types of federal agencies?

HW Check/Discussion Evidence supporting or opposing abolition of the Department of Education?

The federal bureaucracy: controlling the “fourth branch”

Who supervises the federal bureaucracy?

The President Supervises the Bureaucracy The President can: Appoint & remove agency heads Reorganize the bureaucracy Issue executive orders Recommend reductions to an agency's budget President Bush speaks about his budget priorities for FY 2007

Congress Oversees the Bureaucracy Congress can: create or abolish agencies & departments Cut or reduce funding Investigate agency activities Hold committee hearings pass legislation that alters an agency's functions influence or even fail to confirm presidential appointments Former FEMA Chief Michael Brown testifies before Ho investigating Hurricane Katrina

Federal Courts Check the Bureaucracy Federal courts can: Through judicial review, rule on whether the bureaucracy has acted within the law and the U.S. Constitution Provide due process for individuals affected by a bureaucratic action Supreme Court of the United States

Thinking Critically Why is the federal bureaucracy often referred to as “the fourth branch?” Some critics believe that the real power in the federal government lies with the federal bureaucracy. To what extent do you believe this is true?

Title: Federal Employees Self Esteem Class Artist: Chip Bok Date: unknown Source: http://www.reason.com/9602/bok.gif

Title: Another Layer of Bureaucracy Artist: Bob Englehart, The Hartford Courant Date: February, 2006 Source: : http://www.politicalcartoons.com

Exit Ticket: Practice MCQ Which of these is a way in which the federal courts can act as a “check” on the federal bureaucracy? A) They can reduce an agency’s funding. B) They can investigate allegations of criminal behavior by agency officials. C) People who are adversely affected by an agency’s decision can appeal the decision to a federal court. D) The Supreme Court confirms the President’s appointments of agency heads.

Government Roulette!

Reminder Mastery Check #5: This Thursday! Unit 3 Cumulative Assessment (A lot of stuff.)