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The Bureaucracy. 10/5/2011. Clearly Communicated Learning Objectives in Written Form. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: identify and explain the role of formal (bureaucratic) institutions and their effect on policy.
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The Bureaucracy 10/5/2011
Clearly Communicated Learning Objectives in Written Form • Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: • identify and explain the role of formal (bureaucratic) institutions and their effect on policy. • students will have a better understanding of why our national government works and why the American system of government is unique.
Office Hours and Readings • Chapter 10 on the Bureaucracy • Office Hours • Tomorrow 8-12 • Monday 8-10:30
What is a Bureaucracy The Bureaucracy Bureaucrats the individuals in these organizations. • are the organizations that administer programs and policies in both government and the private sector • Where we see it • SEU • Business • The Government
Why A Bureaucracy?: The Tasks of Government • The Constitution sets up a need for bureaucrats • You have to have people to administer these tasks
Why a Bureaucracy: The Public Goods Problem • What are public goods? • Business will not touch it • How do you protect/provide these?
Why a Bureaucracy: Human Resources • 2 million employees • 1.4 million active duty personnel • 24% of Total GDP
The Bureaucracy in the Constitution • No specific mention • Article II- implies a bureaucracy • The Founders didn’t expect a large role
The Pendleton Act and The Spoils System • “To the victor goes the spoils” • James Garfield (RIP) • The Pendleton Act (1883)
Responding to problems • Changes cause Bureaucratic Growth • Expansion • Economic Crises • New Social Problems • War and terrorism
Cabinet Positions • 15 Top Departments • Cabinet Heads are appointed by the president • Must be confirmed by the Senate
Independent/Executive Agencies • Report to the President • The result of overlapping jurisdictions • Promote Independence and openness
The Case of Social Security • Used to be part of Health and Human Services • “spun-off” in 1994 • Now it is independent
The Regulatory Commissions • Regulate some aspect of the Economy • Appointed By the President in over-lapping terms • Free of Presidential Control and partisan tides
The Case of the EPA • Not a regulatory Commission • Under control of the President • Why is this the case?
Government Corporations • Provide public goods • Run like a business to increase efficiency • Not designed to make a profit
The Case of the Post Office • Once a cabinet level position • Government Corporation status in 1971 • Monopoly on letters and mailboxes • Facing 8.5 Billion shortfall
Administering Policy • The oldest job of the government • Day-to-day functions
Providing Information • Collecting and disseminating data • Policy Expertise • Examples • http://www.bls.gov/ • http://www.eia.gov/
Delegated Legislative Authority • This is the power of the Bureaucracy to draft as well as execute, specific policies. • Why? • Effect