Is the federal bureaucracy essential to good government?
Democratic ConsolidationWhat makes DEMOCRACY succeed?
Factors Why they matter
Professional Civil Service
Bureaucrats are less likely to be corrupt; will keep government functioning when changes in leadership occur.
AGENDADecember 19/20, 2013
Today’s topics The Federal Bureaucracy II Executive Branch Research
Administrative Unit 2+3 Test corrections end Thurs., Dec. 19
Homework Due Jan. 6 - Chapter 16: Read + Glossary terms
16A+16B
Learning GoalsUnit 4 Guide
Is the federal bureaucracy essential to good government?
• How does the federal bureaucracy affect people in Oregon? Provide at least three examples.
• Why are some executive branch agencies set up as Independent Agencies? Is this a good idea? Why/why not?
• How do these types of independent agencies compare? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Independent Executive Agencies Independent Regulatory CommissionsGovernment Corporations
The Executive Branch
Executive Office of the
President
Executive Departments
Independent Agencies
Executive Office of the PresidentWhite House Office– Nerve center of Executive Branch– Staff not subject to Senate confirmation
National Security Council (NSC)– Situation Room (link)– National Security Advisor not confirmed by Senate but
other members of NSC are (Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, etc.)
Office of Management & Budget (OMB)– Prepares federal budget– Budget = Major policy statement for the Administration– Head of OMB is confirmed by the Senate
Cabinet DepartmentsExecutive Departments
Oldest (created in 1789): Department of State Department of the Treasury Department of War (now Dept. of Defense) Office of the Attorney General (now Dept. of Justice)
Which is the largest (budget)? largest (# of employees)? newest?
The Cabinet Currently 15 executive departments + VP + 6 others What is it? (link)
Independent AgenciesIndependent Executive Agencies
Subject to presidential control Similar to Cabinet departments
Independent Regulatory Commissions Independent of the president Often exercise quasi-judicial &
quasi-legislative powers
Government Corporations Subject to presidential control Set up to carry out business functions
Independent AgenciesPlace these items in the appropriate place on your Venn diagram:A. Most similar to Cabinet departments
B. Under president’s control
C. Structured like a business
D. Located outside Cabinet departments
E. Exercises executive, legislative & judicial powers
F. Headed by board of directors and general manager
G. Have staggered terms to ensure independence
The Executive Branch
Executive Office of
the President
Executive Departments
Independent Agencies
Which Cabinet Department would… (use text pg 436)
Executive Branch Research
HomeworkBefore you leave
Pick up your belongings Straighten up your area
Homework Due Jan. 6 - Chapter 16: Read + Glossary terms
16A+16B
MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY NEW YEAR!Stay safe for the holidays