Congress and the Bureaucracy

I.    Executive Branch Dependency on Congress

    A.    Congressional Creation of Bureaucracy

                    Bureaucracies are characterized by (Max Weber model)

•   Specialization => specialized duties

• ¨      Hierarchy => hierarchical system of authority

• ¨      Formality => formalized set of rules & procedures

• ¨      Record-keeping => written records kept routinely

• ¨      Professionalization => a permanent competent staff  

    B.    Funding the Bureaucracy (The Budgetary Process)

    C.    Reorganizing

        1.     Presidential Reorganization Powers

        2.     Congressional Approval

        3.     Internal Reorganization

    D.    Senatorial Confirmation

    E.    Civil Service System

II.    Types of Agencies

    A.   Executive Departments

    B.    Regulatory Agencies

    C.    Quasi Governmental Agencies-Government Corporations

    D.    Executive office of the President   

III.    Growth of Bureaucracy:  Causes and Consequences

    A.    Growth Measurement

        1.     Number of Personnel

        2.    Funds Expended

        3.     Mission Expansion

        4.     Populations Served

    B.    Growing Intercomplexity of Society - Welfare State

    C.    National Security Concerns

    D.    Development of Interlocking Interdependencies

    E.    Aid to Incumbents    

IV.    Congressional Vetoes

    A.    Defined

    B.    INS v. Chadha (1983)

        1.    Court ruling

        2.     Practical Effect

V.    Congressional Oversight

     A.    Government Accountability Office

     B.    Congressional Hearings

Key Web Sites   

The Bureaucracy:  The Real Power (Bob Alley - Trinity Web Site)

The Federal Bureaucracy:  What is it?  How is it Organized?

Bureaucratic Politics