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The Federal Bureaucracy

Explore the critical role, structure, and criticisms of the federal bureaucracy, its agencies, control methods, and the Iron Triangle theory in this comprehensive overview.

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The Federal Bureaucracy

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  1. The Federal Bureaucracy

  2. I. The Fourth Branch of Government A. The Bureaucracy is primarily responsible for enforcing laws and is necessary because the nation faces too many problems and challenges for Congress to face alone. B. In recent times the Bureaucracy has expanded in size and power.

  3. II. The Cabinet • Manages specific policy areas, each has it own budget and staff. • Cabinet members are not involved in most daily decisions made by the president.

  4. III. Independent Regulatory Commissions/Agencies A. These agencies are mostly independent from the executive branch and have both quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers 1.Quasi legislative- issue regulations 2.Quasi judicial enforce penalties for violations B. Ran by department head or boards of commissioners who are appointed by the president with approval of the Senate. Examples: FDA,ICC,NLRB,NTSB

  5. IV. Independent Executive Agencies • They are independent because they do not report to an executive department (cabinet secretary). • Usually created to promote new initiatives that demand quick action. Examples: NASA, Social Security Administration

  6. V. Government corporations • Provide the types of services that private companies would typically provide Examples: Post Office, Amtrak, TVA

  7. IV. The Iron Triangle • A pattern of relationships between an agency in the executive branch, Congress, and special interest groups lobbying that agency.

  8. VI. Criticisms of The Bureaucracy • They have wide-ranging political power but are not democratically elected • Massive amounts of tax dollars are spent on these agencies, many believe that private industry would be more efficient. • Many people go to work for private companies after working for these agencies, helping them to avoid regulations. (revolving door of politics)

  9. VII. Methods of Congressional Control A) Hearings and investigations- Bureaucrats are called to testify before subcommittees to explain and defend their decisions. B) Mandatory reports, in which Congress requires executive agencies, even the president, to report on programs.

  10. C) Committee and conference reports which often instruct agencies how Congress expects them to use their discretion. (Not legally binding) D)Limitation riders attached to appropriations bills, which forbid an agency to spend any of the money on activities specified by Congress. E) Inspectors General audit agency books and investigate activities on Congress’s behalf.

  11. F) The Government Accountability Office audits programs and agencies and reports to Congress on their performance.

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