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Federal BureaucracyII. Old System: Political Patronage. During 19 th century gov’t positions given to political allies/supporters (i.e. patronage) Spoils system established under Andrew Jackson Pres. Garfield assassinated by man who felt his patronage should = job
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Old System: Political Patronage • During 19th century gov’t positions given to political allies/supporters (i.e. patronage) • Spoils system established under Andrew Jackson • Pres. Garfield assassinated by man who felt his patronage should = job • Pendleton Civil Service Act 1883 • Passed to end patronage
New System: Merit System • Hiring and promotion now based on merit system • Exams and promotion ratings used to reward qualified individuals • Downside: difficult to fire bad employees • Protected against politically motivated firing • Also protects unproductive workers • Easier to hire new person for same job than fire ineffective one
Types of Agencies • Cabinet Departments • 15 departments • Headed by Secretaries • Independent Regulatory Commissions • Makes/enforces rules to protect public interest • Ex. Federal Reserve Board, FCC, SEC
Government Corporations • Provides a service which could be provided by the private sector • Ex: Post Office, TVA • Independent Executive Agencies • All agencies NOT classified under other categories • Ex: NASA