XIV - Federal Bureaucracy Flashcards
Government bureauracry
Organization of non-elected gov’t officials who fulfill the functions of their particular agency
Job of bureaucracy
Carry out responsibilities of federal government
Examples of bureacracy
Postal service
Federal meat inspectors
Department of Veteran Affairs
How does bureaucracy carry out the responsibilities?
Implement laws passed by Congress/ EO of President
Develop/enforce rules & regulations
Administer gov’t programs
Objective performed by
Agencies
Commissions
Departments
Gov’t corporations
Myth: Americans dislike bureaucrats
Citizens & elected officials dislike “faceless” bureaucracies
Majority of citizens report favorable interactions
Myth: Bureaucrats are increaisng
Federal is shrinking
State & local have grown
Myth: Bureaucrats work in D.C.
Most work at state/local level
Two distinction in civil servants
Patronage
Merit
Patronage
System in which hiring and promotions are based upon political factors
Merit
System in which hiring & promotions are based on skill & talent
In the pass, patronage system
was prominent
“spoils system”
Civil Service System
Pass exam(s) and promotions are based upon merit/ performance
Pendleton Act (1883)
Created federal civil service
Hatch Act (1939)
Prohibits civil servants from engaging in political activities
Merit based professional civil service help
Effectiveness of bureaucracy by promoting professionalism, specialization, and neutrality
Political appointees
Newly elected presidents fill thousands of executive positions
Civil servants
Relatively protected from being fired for political reasons
Last longer than political appointees/ elected officials
Types of bureaucratic federal agencies
Cabinet Departments
Independent Regulatory Commissions
Gov’t Corporations
Independent Executive Agencies
Cabinet Departments
15 different types
Secretary appointed by President/ confirmed by Senate
Bureaus within department