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American Government

This article delves into the intricacies of American government bureaucracy, exploring its essential role in providing public goods and services. It examines the reasons behind bureaucratic structures, such as strict hiring and firing systems, lack of profit motive, and external controls from Congress and the Executive. It highlights the challenges posed by red tape, including inefficiency, vulnerability to corruption, and the balancing act between adherence to rules and the need for discretion. Examples like the Department of Homeland Security illustrate the complexities and reforms in federal government operations.

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American Government

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Presentation Transcript

  1. American Government Bureaucracy

  2. Questions for Today • Why so much bureaucracy? • Why are bureaucracies so bureaucratic?

  3. Differences between McDonalds and DOL • At DOL… • Strict system of hiring/firing (civil service) • No “profit motive” • Control from “above”: • Administrators can’t re-allocate budget resources (for things like new equipment…) • Goals, budgets, etc. controlled by Congress, Executive, Courts, interest groups

  4. So why do we have government bureaucracies? • To provide public goods • Non-excludable • Indivisible • Examples?

  5. And why are bureaucracies so bureaucratic? • Red Tape • Rules, regulations, and procedures • Opposite of discretion • Often works against efficiency

  6. Why Red Tape? • Agencies vulnerable to corruption and fraud • Belief in rights, due process, and equal treatment

  7. Corruption and Fraud • Corruption: by someone on the inside • Fraud: by outside companies and individuals • These problems viewed more seriously in public sector • Waste of our tax $$ • Assault on democracy • Solution: specify rules, create a paper trail

  8. Belief in Rights, Due Process, Equal Treatment • If given discretion, government personnel might not treat everyone equally • Solution: Red Tape • Example: Administrative Procedures Act

  9. Drawbacks of Red Tape • Inefficiency • In corporations, efficiency (indicated by profits) takes precedence • Rigidity • Sometimes best response often requires adaptability to changing circumstances • Ex: Police officers

  10. Homeland Security • White House Office of Homeland Security established 10/2001 • Cabinet level department created 11/2002 • Largest reorganization of federal government since National Security Act of 1947 created DOD, CIA, NSC • Merges 183,000 employees from 24 agencies • $36.5 billion budget http://www.dhs.gov/

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