The Federal Bureaucracy

I. The Fourth Branch of Government

A. The Bureaucracy 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.

II. The CabinetA. Manages specific policy areas, each has it

own budget and staff.B. Cabinet members are not involved in most

daily decisions made by the president.

III. Independent Executive Agencies

A. They are independent because they do not report to an executive department (cabinet secretary).

B. Usually created to promote new initiatives that demand quick action.

C. The President appoints department heads who are confirmed by the Senate and may be removed by the president.

Examples: NASA, EPA, Social Security Administration

IV. 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 regulations2.Quasi judicial enforce penalties for

violationsB. Ran by boards of commissioners who are appointed by the president with approval of the Senate. Examples: FDA,ICC,NLRB,SEC,NTSB

V. Government corporations

A. Provide the types of services that private companies would typically provideExamples: Post Office, Amtrak, TVA

IV. The Iron TriangleA. A pattern of relationships between an agency in

the executive branch, Congress, and special interest groups lobbying that agency.

VI. Criticisms of The Bureaucracy

A. They have wide-ranging political power but are not democratically elected

B. Massive amounts of tax dollars are spent on these agencies, many believe that private industry would be more efficient.

C. Many people go to work for private companies after working for these agencies, helping them to avoid regulations. (revolving door of politics)