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Pol Sci Notes Ch 9
Introduction to Political Science notes for in-class session of chapte...
Course
Introduction to American Politics (Pol 101)
42 Documents
Students shared 42 documents in this course
University
University of Mississippi
Academic year: 2021/2022
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Pol Sci Notes Ch 9
The Executive Branch and Bureaucracy
Bureaucracy:
- Organization characteristized by hierarchical structure, worker specialization, explicit rules, and advancement by merit
4 Characteristics:
- Hierarchy ● Clear chain of command and responsibility
- Specialization ● Tasks divided by expertise
- Explicit Rules ● Rules rather than preferences govern decisions ● Standardization & Predictability
- Merit ● Hiring based on exams and experience, not political favors
Necessary?
- Large tasks require organization and specialization
- Expertise is required in many decisions
- Democracy not the best way to make decisions
Evolved?
- Departments added over time to respond to changing public needs or needs of specific clientele groups
- Move from 19th century spoils system / patronage to idea of neutral competence (merit) hiring ● Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883
Organization of the Federal Bureaucracy:
- Departments ● Cabinet Positions
- Independent Agencies ● CIA, Social Security Administration
- Independent Regulatory Boards and Commissions: ● FCC, FTC, OHSA
- Government Corporations ● Post Office, Amtrak
The Rest of the Executive Branch:
- 1 President
- 15 Cabinet Positions
- Executive office of the President
- White House Staff ● Federal Bureaucracy: 3 Million Employees
Roles of Federal Bureaucracy:
- Administrator ● Implement laws passed by Congress ● Often competing interests between high level presidential appointments and career civil service employees
- Rule Maker ● Congress relies on bureaucratic discretion
- Judge ● Interprets laws within department or agency
- Political Concerns ● Issues of drift - agency has different goals than Congress ● Representative - how well do the Bureaucrats represent the many people ● Conflicting Agendas and Timeframes - different term years
Bureaucracy:
- How Bureaucracy Influences Policy ● Iron Triangle - Relationship between interest or clientele group, congressional committee or subcommittee, and bureaucratic agency to control policy - More traditional view of the process ● Issue Network - Complex system of competing groups having influence over policy - More modern view of the process ● Both can apply in different situations
Views:
- Pros: ● Rule based hierarchy can be more fair, applies equally to everyone ● More accountability
- Cons:
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Pol Sci Notes Ch 9
Course: Introduction to American Politics (Pol 101)
42 Documents
Students shared 42 documents in this course
University: University of Mississippi
Was this document helpful?
Pol Sci Notes Ch 9
The Executive Branch and Bureaucracy
Bureaucracy:
- Organization characteristized by hierarchical structure, worker specialization,
explicit rules, and advancement by merit
4 Characteristics:
- Hierarchy
● Clear chain of command and responsibility
- Specialization
● Tasks divided by expertise
- Explicit Rules
● Rules rather than preferences govern decisions
● Standardization & Predictability
- Merit
● Hiring based on exams and experience, not political favors
Necessary?
- Large tasks require organization and specialization
- Expertise is required in many decisions
- Democracy not the best way to make decisions
Evolved?
- Departments added over time to respond to changing public needs or needs of
specific clientele groups
- Move from 19th century spoils system / patronage to idea of neutral competence
(merit) hiring
● Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883
Organization of the Federal Bureaucracy:
- Departments
● Cabinet Positions
- Independent Agencies
● CIA, Social Security Administration
- Independent Regulatory Boards and Commissions:
● FCC, FTC, OHSA
- Government Corporations
● Post Office, Amtrak
