The Bureaucracy

Types of bureaucratic agencies The Cabinet Regulatory agencies Government corporations Independent executive agencies

Functions of Bureaucracies Large administrative agencies Hierarchical authority job specialization Driven by rules and regulations 6 primary functions: Recognizable division of labor – skilled workers – specialized function to increase productivity. Allocation of function – tasks assigned and defined Allocation of responsibility – each task is understood by the workers and can not be changed with out approval Direct and indirect supervision Control of the full time worker Workers careers are synonymous with organization

Accountability Constitution Federal laws Dictates of the 3 branches of government Superiors Public interest Interest groups

Cabinet 15 departments headed by a secretary Appointed by the president + consent of the Senate They manage specific policy areas, and each has its own budget.

Regulatory agencies Independent regulatory agencies Quasi legislative Quasi Judicial “Alphabet agencies” Examples: Interstate Commerce Commission Federal Trade Commission Food and Drug Administration Federal Communications Commission Securities and Exchange Commission Environmental Protection Agency Occupational Safety and Health Administration Federal Election Commission

Government corporations Example: TVA (New Deal) or Resolution Trust Corporations Created to deal with bankruptcies and many failures

Independent executive agencies Ex: General Services Administration Handles government purchasing Specific responsibilities that facilitate the day to day operation of the government.

Congressional Oversight Agency heads are called before congressional committees to testify about issues related to the workings of the agency. Improve the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of governmental operations Evaluate programs and performance Detect and prevent poor administration Protect civil liberties and constitutional rights Inform the general public Gather information to develop new legislative proposals