The Bureaucracy

The Federal Bureaucracy The “fourth branch” Vast network of agencies and departments Greatly increased after the Great Depression –Were created to provide jobs –Monitor the military-industrial complex –Force the acceptance of minority rights

Now impact business sectors, school systems, housing, the uses of land and air, the safety of citizens 15 departments in the Cabinet Over 150 independent regulatory agencies Also government corporations - USPS,

Scope of powers Can define how rules are applied and who must follow them Help develop the rules Control the spending of vast amounts of public monies and creation or change of local jobs and economies

Two central powers - rule making and rule adjudication –Create administrative rules, hold public hearings –Can fine or revoke licenses - –Ex - OSHA Lots of control over businesses - can punish them severely

Controls of Bureaucracy President and OMB - control budget access Courts can limit ways agencies wield power Congress can revise statutes and change mission Congress can control with budget Senate approves cabinet appointments Office of Personnel Management controls merit level

Bureaucratic Basics Grow during economic crises and war Once created hard to reduce or remove 3 million people involved - leads to NIMBY when talk of reducing, creating programs (prisons, military bases) Bureaucratic leaders are experts in their fields, are qualified and trained professionals - Pendleton Act. 1883

Major Units of the Bureaucracy Executive Branch –EOPVP –WHOCEA –NSCOMB –The Cabinet Legislative Branch –CBO –GAO –Library of Congress

IRON TRIANGLES Members of Congress Lobby and interest groups Federal agencies EXAMPLE - TOBACCO SUBSIDIES –Legislators support if tobacco grown in their state - love the campaign funds –Cigarette lobbies - love the profits –Dept of Agriculture - needs funds to monitor and control

Other Agencies About 150 Independent agencies Shift from national to state bureaucracies More mandates and responsibilities given to the state and local authorities

Major Independent Agencies Consumer Public Safety Commission EPAEEOC The FED FEMA (Fed Emergence Management As) NEANASA National Science Foundation Nuclear Regulatory Agency SEC The Smithsonian Institute

Final summary Bureaucracy has grown tremendously Has powers similar to Congress, the president, and the federal courts Is hated and loved Controlled by interlocking groups Are present in all areas of govt Plays a key role in attempting to fill the needs of the public

FRQ Iron triangles are an example of client politics. They are also a very important part of the governmental process in our country. –Identify the components of an iron triangle –Explain the process of how iron triangles function –Explain how this is an example of client politics