15: The Bureaucracy
- Page ID
- 284336
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 15.0: Introduction
- This page explores the dual perceptions of bureaucracy, illustrated by an 1885 cartoon showing frustrations over denied government roles. It contrasts negative views, such as inefficiency and corruption, with the recognition of bureaucracy as essential for professionalism and effective governance.
- 15.1: Bureaucracy and the Evolution of Public Administration
- This page chronicles the evolution of bureaucracy in the U.S., detailing its role as a system of non-elected officials executing government policies. It outlines the transition from the spoils system to calls for reform, notably the Pendleton Act, influenced by Wilson's merit-based advocacy. The bureaucracy grew during the Great Depression and Great Society, addressing social issues but facing criticism for costs.
- 15.2: Toward a Merit-Based Civil Service
- This page discusses the Senior Executive Service in the federal government, focusing on merit-based hiring practices evolving from the spoils system due to the Pendleton Act. Positions are filled based on Executive Core Qualifications, overseen by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Civil servants' pay is aligned with the Federal General Schedule, promoting efficiency and fairness, though it may lead to bureaucratic independence that could diminish responsiveness to political shifts.
- 15.3: Understanding Bureaucracies and their Types
- This page explores three bureaucratic models: Weberian, emphasizing apolitical efficiency; acquisitive, highlighting resource competition; and monopolistic, focusing on inefficiency from lack of competition. It outlines U.S. federal bureaucracies, including cabinet departments, independent and regulatory agencies, and government corporations. The structure and function of the U.S.
- 15.4: Controlling the Bureaucracy
- This page explores how Congress and the president oversee bureaucracies and the impact of privatization on their efficiency. It covers the complexities of bureaucratic rulemaking, political tensions regarding the CFPB, and citizen oversight mechanisms. The text analyzes privatization methods and the criticism they receive, particularly regarding accountability.
- 15.5: Key Terms
- This page discusses bureaucracy and public administration, defining bureaucracy as a group of nonelected officials, or bureaucrats, who implement policies. It highlights the merit system for hiring based on competence, contrasting it with patronage. Key concepts like negotiated rulemaking, red tape, privatization, government corporations, and whistleblowers are also mentioned.
- 15.6: Summary
- This page outlines the evolution of public administration from a corrupt bureaucracy in the post-Jacksonian era to a merit-based civil service established in the 1880s and expanded during the Great Depression. It discusses the tension between bureaucratic responsiveness and efficiency, emphasizing the need for oversight by elected officials.
- 15.7: Review Questions
- This page provides quiz questions and explanations about government and bureaucracy, covering Washington's cabinet, the spoils system, civil service reform, ideal bureaucratic traits by Max Weber, government corporations, and the Freedom of Information Act. It discusses bureaucratic expansion and negotiated rulemaking, encouraging analysis and evaluation of governmental structures and systems.
- 15.8: Critical Thinking Questions
- This page raises critical questions regarding Congress's delegation of authority to unelected officials, the effectiveness of the patronage system, potential bureaucratic redundancies, the existing bureaucratic model, and the protection of whistleblowers. It prompts an analysis of governmental structure, accountability, and the balance of power between elected and unelected entities.
- 15.9: Suggestions for Further Study
- This page lists references on public administration theory and practice, featuring titles and authors that showcase significant contributions to the field. It includes foundational theories and modern discussions on governance, power, and accountability. Key works cited are "Public Administration Theory Primer," "Mastering Public Administration," and "Bureaucracy," reflecting diverse topics important to public administration.