Chapter Study OutlineIntroduction Show The bureaucracy is the administrative heart and soul of government. Policies passed by authoritative decision makers are interpreted and implemented by executive agencies and departments. Created by elected officeholders, bureaucratic organizations exist to perform essential public functions both on a day-to-day basis and, especially, at times of national emergencies. Despite these efforts and functions, bureaucracy is generally unpopular in American government and often criticized as “big government” run amok. 1. Why Bureaucracy? What is the political status of the federal bureaucracy? What is its power? How does the public view it? What essential functions do bureaucratic agencies and departments perform?
2. How is the Executive Branch Organized? How are individual departments and agencies organized? What types of departments and agencies exist? How do their functions and political environments differ?
3. The Problem of Bureaucratic Control What goals and motivations do bureaucrats have? To the extent that bureaucrats and bureaucracies are agents, how is this problematic? Who are the bureaucracy’s principals and how do they exert control?
4. How Can Bureaucracy Be Reduced? How has the American national government’s bureaucracy developed in recent years? What strategies exist to reduce the size and scope of the federal executive? What are the inherent challenges involved with each strategy?
5. Conclusion Does bureaucracy work?
What is a formal check on the power of the bureaucracy?Congress can check the bureaucracy by cutting or eliminating its budget. The courts can check the bureaucracy by invalidating their actions, if they are viewed as unconstitutional.
How can the president check the power of the bureaucracy?Both Congress and the president exercise direct oversight over the bureaucracy by holding hearings, making appointments, and setting budget allowances. Citizens exercise their oversight powers through their use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and by voting.
What are some ways Congress can check the power of the bureaucracy?Congress uses public hearings to monitor bureaucratic behavior. Under some circumstances, Congress can also control the bureaucracy by re-writing legislation and altering appropriations to provide greater direction to those who must implement its policies.
What checks does the president have on the bureaucracy?The president influences control over the bureaucracy by: appointing agency directors and subheads (with Senate approval) issuing executive orders compelling an agency to do/not do something. increasing or decreasing an agency's budget (through the Office of Management and Budget)
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