Bureaucracy
WHO
"WEST WING" : brain trust of the White House. The Senate has no say.
The Problem of Stability
"Yin and Yang" Dynamics (appointees) v. Ballast (bureaucrats). Bureaucrats keep the "ship" stead... keep things grounded.
45. What prevents government bureaucracy from being as efficient or effective as many private organizations?
-Administrative Procedure Act (1946): before adopting a new rule or procedure, an agency must give notice, solicit comments, and hold hearings. -Freedom of Information Act (1966): citizens have the right to inspect all government records except those containing military, intelligence, or trade secrets or revealing private personnel elections. -National Environmental Policy Act (1969): before undertaking any major action affecting the environment, an agency must issue an environmental impact statement. -Privacy Act (1974): government files about individuals, such as Social Security, and tax records, must be kept confidential. -Open Meeting Law (1976): every part of every agency meeting must be open to the public unless certain matters (for example military or trade secrets) are being discussed.
11. Bureaucracy does have some inherent problems. Identify the following:
-Red Tape: complex bureaucratic rules and procedure that must be followed to get something done. -Imperialism: tendency of agencies to grow without regard to the benefits that their programs confer or the costs that they might entail. -Duplication: two government agencies seem to be doing the same thing. Ex. Customer Service and Drug Enforcement both attempt to intercept illegal drugs smuggled in. -Waste: spending more than is necessary to buy some product or service. -Conflict Among Agencies: cross-purposes. Ex. Agricultural Research tells farmers how to grow crops efficiently, while Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation pays farmers to grow fewer crops or to produce less. -Implementation: impossible for congress to specify every last detail regarding is implemented. -Appointed Heads:
Helped to spur the growth of bureaucracy in the 20th Century by increasing government money surplus.
16th Amendment
6. What key Amendment had an impact on bureaucratic expansion (and how)?
16th Amendment -The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
The President appoints about ___% of the federal bureaucracy.
3%
14. Characterize the average bureaucrat:
97% are not appointed. They reflect society (diverse backgrounds and ethnicity). Most live outside of D.C. (all over the country).
10. In general, what is the opinion of the American public regarding the bureaucracy? a. When people have personal dealings with bureaucrats, they generally have positive experiences, although they have a less favorable attitude toward the federal government as a whole. b. When people have personal dealings with bureaucrats, they generally have negative experiences, although they have a favorable attitude about the federal government as a whole. c. People have negative experiences with individual bureaucrats and feel negatively about the government as a whole. d. People have positive experiences with individual bureaucrats and feel positively about the government as a whole. e. People believe that bureaucrats try to be helpful, but they believe that the bureaucracy is too small to provide services effectively.
A
4. Which of the follow is true of the relationship between Congress and executive agencies? a. The agencies were created by and work under the direction of Congress. b. Agencies, once created, work totally independent of Congress. c. Because the agencies have bureaucratic expertise, Congress delegates "rule-making authority" to them. d. Because of differing objectives, their relationships are always adversarial. e. Congress creates, staffs, and supervises all executive agencies.
A
Iron Triangle
A close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group.
Bureaucracy
A large, complex organization composed of appointed officials.
Appropriation
A legislative grant of money to finance a government program or agency.
Issue Network
A network of people in Washington D.C. - based interest groups, on congressional staffs, in universities and think tanks, and in the mass media who regularly discuss and advocate public policies.
1. Which of the following describes the President's Cabinet? a. It consists of career civil servants with decades of experience in government service. b. Its members have varying levels of influence on presidential decisions. c. Its members hold office for fixed terms that coincide with the President's. d. Its members must be selected among current or former members of Congress. e. Its members are required to approve presidential policy decisions.
A or B
11. From the standpoint of a federal agency, what is the advantage of an iron triangle. a. It gives the agency allies in Congress, as well as in the private sector. b. It allows federal agencies to receive funding directly from industry groups. c. It provides agency heads with access to the media, so they can publicize their programs. d. It gives the federal agency a direct link to the White House Staff. e. It prevents Congress from using oversight hearings as a means of cutting agency budgets.
A?
50. Can a department or agency operate smoothly without a "head" (appointee)?
Absolutely! It may miss the spark provided by new leadership, but the work goes on.
Can a department or agency operate without a top appointment, according to Aberbach/Rockman?
Absolutely! It may miss the spark provided by new leadership, but the work goes on...
NSC
Advises the President on any serious crises here and abroad.
Why are Iron Triangles and issue networks helpful to Congress?
Allows Congress to produce more effective and helpful policy.
25. In general, what is the opinion of the American people regarding the bureaucracy?
Americans who deal with bureaucrats one-to-one have mostly positive experiences, but the general perception of the bureaucracy is VERY negative.
NTSB
An 'independent' that investigates every aviation accident and some others.
Laissez-Faire
An economic theory that government should not regulate or interfere with commerce.
Reich said, "No private corporation would think of operating this." Why?
Appointees are usually outsiders, and they lack the experience and knowledge to competently administer the policies of their department.
51. Why is Robert Reich critical of the whole appointment process?
Appointees are usually outsiders, they lack the experience and knowledge to competently administer the policies of their departments.
Aberbach and Rockman illustrate these 2 problems with appointees to departments/agencies...
Appointees do not always know what they want AND if they do know what they want, they don't always know whether or not their "wants" are consistent with present law.
The Problem of Clarity
Appointees don't always know what they want AND bureaucrats almost always don't know what the appointees want.
The President controls the bureaucracy via:
Appointment Process
17. How can a President try to control a bureaucratic agency?
Appointments, budget process, and executive orders.
A bill that finances a government program or agency.
Appropriation Bill
46. What is the role of the Appropriations Committee in Congress? How has their power been somewhat limited in recent years?
Appropriation: a legislative grant of money to finance a government program or agency. The Appropriations Committee is VERY powerful, however, it has lost power in the recent years due to trust funds changing the authorization of programs, and budget deficits. Trust Funds: funds for government programs collected and spent outside the regular budget.
Devolution has led to government by proxy, which means that more federal programs:
Are staffed by local governments and private organizations.
A bill that begins (or continues) a government agency/program.
Authorization Bill
47. What is authorization legislation?
Authorization Legislation: legislative permission to begin or continue a government program or agency.
7. When a President tries to control a bureaucratic agency, all of the following methods are available to him EXCEPT: a. Appointing the right people to head the agency. b. Disbanding the agency c. Issuing executive orders to counteract agency policies. d. Recommending the OMB a reduction of the agency's budget for the following year. e. Using his office to influence agency directino.
B
3. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service will spend money appropriated by Congress to maintain wildlife refuges. This action is an example of: a. the power of the filibuster b. congressional oversight of the bureaucracy c. bureaucratic implementation of law d. an unfunded mandate e. an independent expenditure
B or C
Administrative Procedure Act (1946)
Before adopting a new rule or procedure, an agency must give notice, solicit comments, and hold hearings.
National Environmental Policy Act (1969)
Before undertaking any major action affecting the environment, an agency must issue an environmental impact statement.
43. What is our largest federal agency today?
Bureaucracy
A large,complex organization composed of appointed officials:
Bureaucracy
The "fourth branch" of the United States government.
Bureaucracy
13. How has the placement of federal bureaucrats changed over time? a. It has become more political because more government jobs have been created and are filled through patronage. b. It is now solely on merit; all federal government employees must take a civil service exam. c. It is a combination of merit and political appointment with most jobs int he bureaucracy based on an exam or specific job qualifications. d. Prospective employees take a civil service exam, and the person with the best score who is also a member of the president's party is awarded the position. e. There is no set procedure for filling jobs; each agency has its own rules.
C
5. Which of the following statements most accurately describes the size of the federal bureaucracy? a. Homeland Security is the largest department in the bureaucracy. b. The federal bureaucracy grew at a rapid rate due to the expansion of the national defense during the Cold War. c. Whereas the majority of early bureaucrats were part of the US Postal System, today the federal bureaucracy is must larger and multi-faceted. d. The federal bureaucracy expands at the same rate that the American population grows so that the two remain proportional. e. Washington DC houses the largest group of the federal bureaucrats.
C
34. Robert Reich refers to "the bubble." What is the bubble?
Cabinet Secretaries are ushered from place to place, driven destination to destination, escorted to the front door, and protected from other people. Bonded to a tight schedule.
National Performance Review (NPR) (Al Gore)
Called for less centralized management and more employee initiative. Fewer detailed rules and more emphasis on customer (citizen) satisfaction. Tried to create a new kind of organizational culture in government agencies.
24. What is the main function of the federal bureaucracy?
Carry out (implement) policy. By doing so, they provide services and regulation.
CIA
Central Intelligence Agency
Freedom of Information Act (1966)
Citizens have the right to inspect all government records except those containing military, intelligence, or trade secrets or revealing private personnel elections.
38. How has the placement of federal bureaucrats changed over time?
Closer security and less spoils. It is a combination of merit and political appointment with most jobs in the bureaucracy based on an exam or specific job qualifications.
Most bureaucrats are hired based on the stringent selection process laid out by this system, insuring that the process is competitive and candidates for jobs are well qualified.
Competitive Service
41. What is Competitive Service?
Competitive Service: the government offices to which people are appointed on the basis of merit, as ascertained by a written exam or by apply certain selection criteria.
Red Tape
Complex bureaucratic rules and procedure that must be followed to get something done.
15. Who exercises control over the bureaucracy (and how)?
Congress (legislative) President (executive)
CPSC
Consumer Product Safety Commission
What are some keys to success as Chief of Staff?
Control the activities of the whole staff and insure that all work as a team... no mavericks! And it helps to be as close to the First Lady and Vice President as to the President.
CEA
Council of Economic Advisors
One of the reasons federal government has expanded over the course of history (9/11, for example).
Crisis
42. How did September 11 expand government bureaucracy?
Crisis usually leads to action. Homeland Security is the 15th department added to the Cabinet, the first since Veteran Affairs in 1989.
40. What has led to the growth of bureaucracy over our history?
Crisis, growth and size of country, 16th Amendment, change in philosophy, new issues.
12. In Comparison with western European democracies, US government spending amounts to: a. A higher percent of GNP and receive roughly the same benefits and services. b. A higher percent of GNP and receive more benefits and services. c. A lower percent of GNP and receive roughly the same benefits and services. d. A lower percent of GNP and receive fewer benefits and services. e. Roughly the same percent of GNP and receive the same benefits and services.
D
14. The relationship between career bureaucrats and the appointees would be best described as: a. like a perfect marriage b. like Jesus and the Disciples c. like the animal trainer who whips his animals into submission and controlled action d. like a visionary controlled and grounded by reality, common sense, and expertise e. like WWII, they fight constantly... often exchanging gunfire... tough environment
D
6. All of the following are true about the relationship between regulatory agencies and the industries they regulate EXCEPT: a. Agency employees are often recruited from the regulated industry. b. Agencies often rely on support from regulated industries in making budget requests before Congress. c. An agency's relationship with a regulated industry may change when a new president takes office. d. Agencies usually make decisions without consulting the regulated industry. e.Agency employees are hired by the regulated industry once they retire.
D
8. What is NOT a characteristic of bureaucrats? a. Most bureaucrats live and work outside of Washington, D.C. b. Most bureaucrats are hired after competing for jobs through a process administered by the Office of Personnel Management. c. Together, the defense department and the postal service account for the majority of jobs in the federal bureaucracy. d. Almost half of all bureaucrats get their jobs through presidential appointment. e. Generally speaking, bureaucrats have job security to protect them from political reprisal.
D
9. Policy implementation is sometimes a matter of trial and error and may fail for any of the following reasons EXCEPT: a. Administrators make poor judgements. b. Bureaus often are short-staffed or lack resources. c. Miscommunication among departments that share responsibility for a program. d. Agencies avoid establishing standard operating procedures. e. Legislation may not clearly convey Congress's policy goals.
D
2. Congress is most likely to exert oversight of the executive bureaucracy in which of the following ways? a. Directly selecting the head of an executive agency. b. Impeaching the head of an executive agency. c. Using the Court to block implementation of proposed regulations. d. Controlling an executive agency's annual budget. e. Changing the term length of heads of independent regulatory commissions.
D?
Commerce
Deals with our country's trade balance and business-related policy.
Veterans Affairs
Deals with returning soldiers who need medical help, job training, housing, etc.
Today, the largest part is:
Defense
4. What is the biggest part?
Defense -772.6 thousand
Extent to which bureaucrats can "do stuff" (like write rules of procedure)/propose policy without clarity of law.
Discretionary Authority
The Departments of Labor and Interior both play a role in coal mine safety.
Duplication
12. The federal bureaucracy has three main levels. Identify each level and how they are different from one another.
EOP (Executive Office of the President): umbrella agency and President's right arm. Cabinet/Executive Departments: 15 traditional units. Independent Agencies: over 150 of them, outside of departments, no status.
8. It started out simply as providing service, but Industrialization and laissez-faire economics led to:
Early bureaucracy was meant to SERVE. Today, with the reigning of laissez-faire economics, bureaucracy also REGULATES. Laissez-Faire: an economic theory that government should not regulate or interfere with commerce.
The one main point of the Civil Service System?
Eliminate the problems inherent in the 'spoils system' (incompetence/instability).
EPA
Enforce the Clean Air and Water Act, among other environmental laws and regulations.
Justice
Enforces and prosecutes the majority of federal criminal law.
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
Open Meeting Law (1976)
Every part of every agency meeting must be open to the public unless certain matters (for example military or trade secrets) are being discussed.
EOP
Executive Office of the President
FBI
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FDIC
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency
2. How do federal agencies perform their regulatory task of enforcing industry standards?
Field workers/agents/inspectors are out there checking things out.
31. How can a citizen best influence the workings of a federal agency or department?
File a complaint with the agency directly OR go to your Congressperson.
FDA
Food and Drug Administration
Post Office
For many years, this independent was by far the largest part of the executive branch.
Trust Funds
Funds for government programs collected and spent outside the regular government budget.
28. From the standpoint of a federal agency, what is the advantage of an Iron Triangle?
Gives them alliances/friends in Congress.
30. What is patronage?
Giving a job/position/appointment as a payback for helping a candidate win election, or for loyalty, or for friendship, or as part of logrolling.
GAO
Government Accountability Office
39. Bureaucrats in Civil Service System range from GS 1 - GS 18. What does GS stand for?
Government Service
13. Devolution has brought about what change to the federal bureaucracy?
Government by Proxy: Washington pays state and local governments and private groups to staff and administer federal programs.
36. What is government by proxy?
Government by Proxy: Washington pays state and local governments and private groups to staff and administer federal programs.
Privacy Act (1974)
Government files about individuals, such as Social Security, and tax records, must be kept confidential.
OMB
Helps pull together the intricate details of the annual budget of the US government.
Why are Iron Triangles and issue networks helpful to federal agencies/departments?
Helps them to better carry out their responsibilities and insure continued funding.
3. How would you describe the size of the federal bureaucracy?
Huge behemoth monster.
37. Devolution would mean an increase/decrease in government by proxy?
INCREASE
Agencies and departments tend to grow without reason in an attempt to stay relevant and protect funding.
Imperialism
Which works with the least personal contact with the President?
Independent Agencies
FDIC
Insures your bank account (up to $200,000)... means less people hide cash under their mattress.
FBI
Investigates most violations of federal law (think Criminal Minds).
23. Stable relationships and patterns of interaction that occur between agency, interest groups and Congress:
Iron Triangle: a close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group.
Close relationship between agencies, congressional committees, and various interest groups.
Iron Triangles
Has replaced iron triangles as the new mode of discussing and advocating public policy.
Issue Network
22. Loose and informal relationships that exist among the large number of actors who work in broad policy areas are called:
Issue Network: network of people in Washington D.C. - based interest groups, on Congressional staffs, in universities, and think tanks and the mass media.
What does Reich and Aberbach/Rockman suggest about the nature of government bureaucracy?
It has built-in continuity/stability but also tension between appointees and career bureaucrats.
21. What problem has this legislated (Civil Service, Pendleton, Hatch) merit system created?
It is hard to fire a bureaucrat. An executive must go through elaborate steps to fire, demote, or suspend a Civil Servant.
Bureaucracy is referred to the "fourth branch" of the government because:
Its size, scope, and independence.
Philosophy that government should stay out of as many areas of public life as possible.
Laissez-Faire Theory
16. How does Congress control (check the bureaucracy)?
Lawmaking: authorization bills (the program) and appropriation bills (purse strings). Iron Triangles: hearings/oversight; and Senate approves most appointments.
Authorization Legislation
Legislative permission to begin or continue a government program or agency.
33. The public perception of waste in government is different than in reality. Why and how?
Less a problem than we believe. The media sensationalizes to sell news. "Government waste stories" - newsworthy stories because they stir emotions.
Performance Assessment Rating Tool (PART) (G W. Bush)
Link management reform to the budget process.
Advance Office
Main role is to manage presidential mobility (trips).
Interior
Manages all federally owned land.
FEMA
Manages government operations and funding at major domestic disaster zones.
NASA
Manages space exploration from planning to production to staging.
Thanks to the Pendleton Act and civil service reform, today's hiring is based more on ______ and less on patronage.
Merit
CEA
Monitor the economy and help advise President on these matters.
Energy
Monitors oil imports and consumption, green technology, and nuclear research.
Federal Reserve
Monitors the flow of our currency into the economy and manages interest rates.
CPSC
Monitors the safety of products produced and sold in the United States.
Labor
Monitors worker safety and other issues related to most blue collar occupations.
NASA
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NSA
National Security Agency
NSC
National Security Council
NTSB
National Transportation Safety Board
7. Did it grow significantly during the Cold War?
Not really out of the ordinary.
OMB
Office of Management and Budget
One problem with bureaucracy is agency conflict. An example:
One agency subsidizes farmers who limit production while another agency produces hybrid seed that grows more crop per acre.
CIA
Our "foot soldier" spies that monitor enemies and friends throughout the world.
32. How does American bureaucracy and spending on bureaucracy and government service/regulation differ from most western European democracies?
Our bureaucracy is not as large/our spending is not as much (lower % of gnp). Socialism is expensive.
GAO
Our country's accountant, determining how taxpayer's money is spent.
Transportation
Oversees federal highway, air, railroad, and maritime regulation.
The Congress controls bureaucracy via:
Oversight and Appropriations
Another way of describing the mode of hiring that was more common back in the old days of the "Spoils System."
Patronage
26. The basis of appointments to the bureaucracy during most of the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century was:
Patronage (the winner - spoils)
This legislative act is why merit is more important than patronage (and why it's hard to fire a bureaucrat).
Pendleton Act
29. The old Spoils System was reformed by a number of key legislative acts include:
Pendleton Act Hatch Act Civil Service Return
18. Policy implementation can fail. Why? How?
Poor judgement of administrators. Unclear legislation. Short on staff/resources. Miscommunication between related department/agencies/office.
44. What was it in the early years of American history?
Postal Office
Treasury
Prints our currency.
1. What is the biggest criticism of the process for firing a bureaucrat?
Process is long and difficult and expensive, making it very difficult to get rid of even incompetent workers.
Education
Produces national standards for schools to strive for.
A perceived problem, but also insure accountability and a safeguard against corruption.
Red Tape
19. Red tape is a guarantee. Though perceived in negative light, why is red tape good?
Red Tape: complex bureaucratic rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done. -All large organizations, including business firms, have some red tape. -Without red tape, there would be nothing on the basis of merit, not strict financial accounting procedures, and no regulations concerning citizens.
Early bureaucracy was meant to SERVE. Today, a main role of bureaucracy is to _________.
Regulate
FDA
Regulates the food and drug industries.
RON
Remain Over Night
Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) (1993) (Congress)
Required agencies "to set goals, measure performance, and report on the results."
48. How do executive orders impact bureaucracy?
Similar to law. They affect how the bureaucracy works.
20. What was the Civil Service Merit System supposed to reduce?
Spoils
Homeland Security
TSA, Border Patrol, and other groups securing our country from terrorist threat.
State
Takes care of diplomatic relations.
Health and Human Services
Takes care of people, focusing on the needs of the impoverished.
Agriculture
Takes care of the majority of issues and research as related to farmers.
One thing that has fed the growth of the bureaucracy over the course of our country's history:
The 16th Amendment
35. What is the name we give to the heads of all major departments?
The Cabinet (secretaries)
Amendment 16
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
27. The small group of more important Department Secretaries, are sometimes referred to as the:
The Inner Cabinet
53. Why is the White House Press Corp often at odds with the Secret Service.
The White House Press Corp wants crowds, hoopla, excitement... The Secret Service wants quiet, SAFE, secret....
Committee Clearance
The ability of a congressional committee to review and approve certain agency decisions in advance without passing a law.
Legislative Veto
The authority of Congress to block a presidential action after it has taken place. The Supreme Court has held that Congress does NOT have this power.
Discretionary Authority
The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action and make policies not spelled out in advance by laws.
Competitive Service
The government offices to which people are appointed on the basis of merit, as ascertained by a written exam or by applying certain selection criteria.
Cabinet
The major departments of the federal government.
Why is there built-in tension between the Advance Office and Secret Service.
The one wants crowds, hoopla, excitement... the other wants quiet, secret, SAFE.
What would the Advance Team refer to as "the MOMENT"?
The perfect picture of the day. "A picture is worth a thousand words."
The Moment
The perfect picture of the day. Tells the story... or better yet, tells the story the way you want it to be told. "A picture is worth a thousand words!"
What is "the bubble"?
The phrase Reich uses to define the built-in separation between appointees and career bureaucrats.
10. Bureaucrats in the federal government have an advantage in the policy making process. Why?
The vast majority of career employees are there because they got their job through the Civil Service System. Most will remain for decades, sometimes their entire career. -The Civil Service System protects employees and gives them career jobs for decades.
Independent Establishments/Agencies
There are more independent and allowed to operate without as much presidential scrutiny or guidance.
The Problem of Institutions
There is a constant battle for control over the bureaucracy between the President and Congress.
9. Regulatory agencies and the industries they regulate do have fairly close relationships. How?
They communicate on issues, problems, programs. They share employees back and forth. They share ideas. They work together to impact congress (money/policy).
52. Why don't career civil servants like presidential appointments?
They would prefer not to take short term risks. They don't want headlines. They feel unappreciated. They don't get attention. "Treated like expletive." The Presidential appointees know that they will be replaced by the next President so they don't care about long term. They only care on the immediate benefits and what quick benefits can come.
NSA
This agency spies on any and all global threats via signals intelligence. Monitor communications.
Housing and Urban Development
This monitors all low-income housing projects and programs.
Why are modern presidential motorcades so extensive?
Though they were once mostly to draw attention, they are now strictly focused on security.
What is the goal of the Advance office?
To get the president around efficiently and safely.
49. What is the role of Chief of Staff?
To operate the White House and help the White House Strategist on all related to presidential image, agenda, and coalition building.
Define the main role of the Chief of Staff:
To operate the White House and help with White House stategy.
Pendleton Act (1883)
Transfer of federal jobs from the patronage to the merit system.
In our early history, the largest part of the federal bureaucracy was:
US Postal
Which part works closest with the President on a daily basis?
WHO
Government by Proxy
Washington pays state and local governments and private groups to staff and administer federal programs.
The problem of bureaucracy being perceived as a money pit, probably overblown by the media.
Waste
The Problem of Legality
What the appointees desire is NOT consistent with present laws already in place.
WHO
White House Office
Chief of Staff
White House strategist on all: related to presidential image, agenda, and coalition building.
According to Reich, why is the Civil Service System so important?
With often less-than-competent leadership, this system guarantees that the bureaucracy has built-in knowledge and experience of competent bureaucrats who know what they are doing.
5. When did the growth really take off?
World War II created the first great financial boom for the government, permitting the sustained expansion of a wide variety of programs and thus entrenching a large number of administrators in Washington. -FDR created a lot of programs after World War II (due to the Great Depression) which meant he needed a lot of people to head/monitor these programs.
Name-Request Job
aka. "Buddy System" People can circumvent the Civil Service System and receive non-appointed positions because they have been hand-picked for a job.
Press Secretary
manages all media-related events involving the President or any White House staff.
Defense
the department over which the President resides as Commander-in-Chief.
