AIM: How has its role grown in
American politics?
 What comes to mind when you
hear the word “bureaucracy”?
 Why is the bureaucracy considered
the 4th branch of government?
 Definition: large complex
organization composed of
appointed officials with authority
divided among several managers.
DISTINCTIVENESS OF THE AMERICAN
BUREAUCRACY
 President and Congress exert
influence
 Most agencies share functions with
related agencies (local and state)
 “Adversary Culture” – challenge
authority of the bureaucracy
 More active in regulation of economy
(prefer regulation to ownership)
GROWTH OF BUREAUCRACY

Not mentioned in Constitution

Developed out of necessity

Grown enormously since 1930s

Officials appointed by President;
confirmed by the Senate

Removed by President alone
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIALS
 Balance ideology, character, fitness,
and partisanship
 John Adams “every appointment
creates one ingrate and 10 enemies”
 Patronage – not necessarily
competency (spoils system, loyalty)
 Civil service reform movement – after
Civil War (Progressive Era)
 1883 – Pendleton Act
Service Role
 1861 – 1901 – new agencies created
 Deal with particular sectors of society and
economy (farmers, labor, business,
veterans)
 Role was to serve not regulate
 Reflect importance of limited government
(laissez-faire)
 Wars have contributed to build-up of
bureaucracy (reindeer story)
Aim: How does the federal bureaucracy
impact American government and
politics?
Do Now:
1. Why is bureaucracy considered a 4th
branch of government?
2. How is American bureaucracy
distinctive (what sets it apart from
most other countries)?
3. What two events are responsible for
the greatest growth of the federal
bureaucracy?
CHANGE IN ROLE
 2 events key to today’s
bureaucracy
 Great Depression and WWII
 Change in public attitude and
constitutional interpretation
 Active role in dealing with
economic and social problems
(more regulation)
THE FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY TODAY
What is “discretionary authority”?
 The ability to choose courses of action and to
make policies that are not spelled out in
advance by laws
 Power of bureaucracy has grown enormously
 Congress has delegated substantial authority
-paying subsidies
-grants-in-aid
-devising and enforcing regulations

Aim: How does the federal bureaucracy impact
American government and politics?
Do Now:
What is meant by “discretionary
authority”?
Identify/explain two reasons why
Congress gives federal agencies
policy-making discretion in executing
federal laws.
FOUR FACTORS THAT EXPLAIN
BEHAVIOR OF OFFICIALS

Recruitment and Retention

Personal attributes

Nature of Job

Constraints (external forces)
WHY SO MANY CONSTRAINTS ON BUREAUCRATIC BEHAVIOR?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Executive branch superiors
President’s staff
Congressional committees (chairs)
Interest groups
Media
Courts
Rival agencies
WHAT IS THE “IRON TRIANGLE”?

Relationship between and agency, a
Congressional committee, and an interest
group

Example: Department of Veterans Affairs,
House/Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs,
and Veterans Organizations

Less common than in the past

Agencies influenced by several competing
interests (issue networks)
PATHOLOGIES

5 MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH
BUREAUCRACIES
1.
Red Tape
2.
Conflict
3.
Duplication
4.
Imperialism
5.
Waste
*Everybody complains in general but not about
specific agencies deemed desirable
Aim: How does the federal bureaucracy
impact American government and
politics?
Do Now:
1.
What is meant by the “iron triangle”?
2.
What leverage exists between the interest
group and a congressional committee?
3.
What leverage exists between a
congressional committee and a
bureaucratic agency?
4.
Why is the agency considered a “captured
agency”?
5.
Why do some political scientists suggest
the “iron triangle” is an outmoded
concept?
REFORM
*Every administration says they will
reform, in one way or another, the
federal bureaucracy
 Grace Commission (1980s)
 NPR (National Performance Review –
1990s)
 Homeland Security Department
Bottom-line……..GOOD LUCK!!
WHAT IS CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT?








Agency supervision by Congress
Creations of Congress
Authorization
Appropriations
Personnel control
Audit
Investigations
How effective is Congress in conducting
oversight?
SUMMARY:
 What is distinctive about
American bureaucracy?
 Why is bureaucracy considered
by many to be our 4th branch
of government?
 What is meant by
‘discretionary authority”?
1.
2.
3.
4.
How has “discretionary authority”
contributed to the rise of
bureaucracy in American
government?
What two 20th century events have
contributed most to the growth of
the federal bureaucracy?
Why so many constraints on
bureaucratic action?
What is meant by “Congressional
Oversight”? Is it used effectively?