is the federal bureaucracy essential to good government?

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

Homework

Before 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