The document discusses the role of bureaucracy in the U.S. government as established by the Constitution but not explicitly defined. It examines different views on whether the Framers intended for a bureaucracy and analyzes how the bureaucracy has evolved over time from the patronage system to a modern Weberian model. Theories on bureaucratic agencies are presented regarding their role in regulation and policymaking from public interest, public choice, and reputation perspectives.
Understanding Bureaucracy in Public AdministrationHAFIZUDIN YAHAYA
Basic noted for you to understand the concept and practice of bureaucracy in government administration. what is the factors that lead to failure of bureaucracy and how to enhance the better management in public policy.
Understanding Bureaucracy in Public AdministrationHAFIZUDIN YAHAYA
Basic noted for you to understand the concept and practice of bureaucracy in government administration. what is the factors that lead to failure of bureaucracy and how to enhance the better management in public policy.
Week 1 politics and power history fair start representation and political pro...Wayne Williams
First week of PowerPoint lecture notes for Politics and Power in America course. Examines what politics is, differences in democracies, contrasted with the meaning of a Constitutional Republic, such as that of the United States.
Our report Busting Bureaucracy – collaborative audit findings and recommendations highlights the significant and costly effects which result if data collections are not effectively controlled and managed.
It makes recommendations to prevent and improve this situation. We have produced a self-assessment toolkit to support the implementation of the recommendations, as well as the top ten tips.
Week 1 politics and power history fair start representation and political pro...Wayne Williams
First week of PowerPoint lecture notes for Politics and Power in America course. Examines what politics is, differences in democracies, contrasted with the meaning of a Constitutional Republic, such as that of the United States.
Our report Busting Bureaucracy – collaborative audit findings and recommendations highlights the significant and costly effects which result if data collections are not effectively controlled and managed.
It makes recommendations to prevent and improve this situation. We have produced a self-assessment toolkit to support the implementation of the recommendations, as well as the top ten tips.
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Chapter 13:The Bureaucracy
ADA Text Version
Learning Objectives
1. Describe the formal organization of the federal bureaucracy.
2. Classify the vital functions performed by the bureaucracy.
3. Explain the present Civil Service system and contrast it with the 19th century spoils system.
4. Identify the various factors contributing to bureaucracy's growth over time.
5. Compare the means by which Congress and the president attempt to maintain control over the bureaucracy.
6. Analyze and evaluate the problems that bureaucratic organization poses for American democracy.
Introduction
The very word "bureaucracy" often carries negative connotations. To refer to an institution as a "bureaucracy" or characterize it as "bureaucratic" is usually intended as an insult. But the national bureaucracy, sometimes called the "fourth branch of government", is responsible for practically all of the day-to-day work of governing the country. While bureaucracy in the United States, consistent with our tradition of more limited government, is smaller than its counterparts in other longstanding democracies, its influence extends to almost every corner of American society. From delivery of the mail to regulation of the stock market to national defense, federal employees plan, regulate, adjudicate, enforce, and implement federal law. Despite recurrent calls to "shrink" the size of government, the federal bureaucracy remains the largest single employer in the United States. This lesson examines the bureaucracy's formal organization, its critical role in the American economy and society, and its perceived weaknesses.
Study Questions
1. How did sociologist Max Weber define bureaucracy?
2. Identify the various functions federal bureaucracies perform giving at least one example each:
a. Implementation
b. Regulation
c. Adjudication
d. Enforcement
e. Policy-making
3. How many people does the federal government employ? For what percentage of GDP does federal spending account? How does this compare to other economically advanced democracies?
4. Classify and distinguish the major types of bureaucracy in the federal government:
a. Cabinet Departments
b. Independent Agencies
c. Independent Regulatory Commissions
d. Government Corporations
5. How does the federal bureaucracy select and recruit personnel? Contrast the present civil service system with the spoils system. What advantages does the present system provide?
6. What factors explain the growth of bureaucracy over time despite recurrent calls for limiting the size of government?
7. Identify those factors in the budget process making it difficult to cut bureaucratic funding.
8. Describe the way Congress authorizes funding for the federal bureaucracy.
9. How does Congress attempt to control the federal bureaucracy?
10. How does the president attempt to control the federal bureaucracy?
11. What special problems does bureaucratic independence present in a democracy? Discuss with re.
3 - Seifter PAGE (Do Not Delete) 3142014 1248 PM 443 .docxrhetttrevannion
3 - Seifter PAGE (Do Not Delete) 3/14/2014 12:48 PM
443
States, Agencies, and Legitimacy
Miriam Seifter*
Scholarship on the administrative process has scarcely attended to the
role that states play in federal regulation. This Article argues that it is time
for that to change. An emerging, important new strand of federalism
state interests in the administrative process and argues that federal agencies
should consider state input when developing regulations. These ideas appear
to be gaining traction in practice. States now possess privileged access to
agency decisionmaking processes through a variety of formal and informal
channels. And some courts have signaled support for the idea of a special state
role in federal agency decisionmaking.
These developments have important implications for administrative
law and theory. In particular, they bear on the paramount question of
administrative legitimacy the decades-long effort to justify the exercise of
lawmaking power by unelected administrators in our constitutional
democracy. A robust state role in the administrative process, this Article
shows, is in tension with the models of legitimacy that have come to serve as
tar. Whereas the two reigning legitimacy models
alternatively prize (1) centralized presidential control to ensure responsiveness
to majority preferences, and (2) apolitical application of expertise, state input
raises the specter of regional factionalism and home-state politics. Two types
of solutions could alleviate this tension: reforming state involvement in the
regulatory process, or updating legitimacy models. The Article concludes by
charting both courses identifying potential reforms and sketching
possibilities for a new understanding of administrative legitimacy that would
better accommodate the state role.
* Visiting Researcher, Georgetown University Law Center. For helpful comments and
conversations, I thank Will Baude, Rick Bierschbach, Jessica Bulman-Pozen, Bill Buzbee, Peter
Byrne, Dov Fox, Jody Freeman, Brianne Gorod, Lisa Heinzerling, Lisa Marshall Manheim,
Martha Minow, Eloise Pasachoff, Jed Purdy, Larry Solum, Michael Steffen, Rob Yablon, and
eful
to numerous state and federal officials for sharing their time and thoughts to facilitate my
research. Any errors are mine.
3 - Seifter PAGE (Do Not Delete) 3/14/2014 12:48 PM
444 VANDERBILT LAW REVIEW [Vol. 67:2:443
I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................. 445
II. THE SPECIAL STATE ROLE IN FEDERAL AGENCY
DECISIONMAKING .............................................................. 450
A. Administrative Federalism .................................... 451
B. States and Their Interests ...................................... 455
1. Who Represents States in the Federal
Regulatory Process? .................................... 456
2. An Overview of State Interests ................... 458
C.
Process.
Chapter Eighteen The Law of Administrative AgenciesIntroduction to.docxbissacr
Chapter Eighteen The Law of Administrative AgenciesIntroduction to Administrative Law and Administrative AgenciesAdministrative Law
For the purposes of this text, administrative law is defined broadly as any rule (statute or regulation) that affects, directly or indirectly, an administrative agency. These rules may be procedural or substantive, and they may come from the legislative, executive, or judicial branch of government or from the agencies themselves. Such rules may be promulgated at the federal, state, or local levels. A procedural rule generally has an impact on the internal processes by which the agencies function or prescribes methods of enforcing rights. For example, under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), a federal administrative agency must give adequate notice to all parties involved in an agency hearing. A substantive rule defines the rights of parties. An example is an act of Congress that forbids the FTC from applying the antitrust laws to all the Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States. In this instance, the rights and regulations of both the FTC and the Coca-Cola bottlers were defined by Congress.
administrative law
Any rule (statute or regulation) that directly or indirectly affects an administrative agency.
procedural rule
A rule that governs the internal processes of an administrative agency.
substantive rule
A rule that creates, defines, or regulates the legal rights of administrative agencies and the parties they regulate.Critical Thinking About The Law
As a future business leader, you will certainly encounter many governmental regulations. Congress created administrative agencies, in part, because it could not hope to address the enormous variety and number of concerns that are now covered by administrative agencies. Although you will not learn about every administrative agency in this chapter, you can jump-start your thinking about administrative agencies by answering these critical thinking questions.
1. Your roommate states that people do not have to follow the regulations passed by administrative agencies because these regulations are not laws. She argues that only Congress can make laws. Which critical thinking question could be applied to settle this disagreement?
Clue: Do you and your roommate agree on the meaning of the words she is using?
2. Some individuals may argue that the creation of regulations by administrative agencies promotes unfair restrictions on business. What ethical norm seems to be behind this thought?
Clue: If you want fewer restrictions from the government, what ethical norm is influencing your thought? What ethical norm seems to conflict with the wish for fewer governmental regulations?
3. Congress assumes that the administrative agencies will address problems effectively in their respective areas. For example, the EPA ensures compliance with environmental laws. If Matt makes the assumption that environmental problems are so complex and widespread that the EPA could not hope to ma.
Chapter Eighteen The Law of Administrative AgenciesIntroduction to.docxmccormicknadine86
Chapter Eighteen The Law of Administrative AgenciesIntroduction to Administrative Law and Administrative AgenciesAdministrative Law
For the purposes of this text, administrative law is defined broadly as any rule (statute or regulation) that affects, directly or indirectly, an administrative agency. These rules may be procedural or substantive, and they may come from the legislative, executive, or judicial branch of government or from the agencies themselves. Such rules may be promulgated at the federal, state, or local levels. A procedural rule generally has an impact on the internal processes by which the agencies function or prescribes methods of enforcing rights. For example, under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), a federal administrative agency must give adequate notice to all parties involved in an agency hearing. A substantive rule defines the rights of parties. An example is an act of Congress that forbids the FTC from applying the antitrust laws to all the Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States. In this instance, the rights and regulations of both the FTC and the Coca-Cola bottlers were defined by Congress.
administrative law
Any rule (statute or regulation) that directly or indirectly affects an administrative agency.
procedural rule
A rule that governs the internal processes of an administrative agency.
substantive rule
A rule that creates, defines, or regulates the legal rights of administrative agencies and the parties they regulate.Critical Thinking About The Law
As a future business leader, you will certainly encounter many governmental regulations. Congress created administrative agencies, in part, because it could not hope to address the enormous variety and number of concerns that are now covered by administrative agencies. Although you will not learn about every administrative agency in this chapter, you can jump-start your thinking about administrative agencies by answering these critical thinking questions.
1. Your roommate states that people do not have to follow the regulations passed by administrative agencies because these regulations are not laws. She argues that only Congress can make laws. Which critical thinking question could be applied to settle this disagreement?
Clue: Do you and your roommate agree on the meaning of the words she is using?
2. Some individuals may argue that the creation of regulations by administrative agencies promotes unfair restrictions on business. What ethical norm seems to be behind this thought?
Clue: If you want fewer restrictions from the government, what ethical norm is influencing your thought? What ethical norm seems to conflict with the wish for fewer governmental regulations?
3. Congress assumes that the administrative agencies will address problems effectively in their respective areas. For example, the EPA ensures compliance with environmental laws. If Matt makes the assumption that environmental problems are so complex and widespread that the EPA could not hope to ma ...
Fundamental of Public Administration PPA 101NANCY GENOVADustiBuckner14
Fundamental of Public Administration PPA 101
NANCY GENOVA, MPA
INSTRUCTOR/ CHAPTER 2 (P.35-75)
Learning Objectives Chapter 2Understanding the organization and function of the branches of the federal governmentUnderstanding the organization and function of the other levels of governmentUnderstanding the policy processExploring the controls exerted by the legislative branch on administratorsExploring the controls exerted by the judicial branch on administrators
Administrative Organizations
The Executive Office of the PresidentCabinet-Level Executive DepartmentsIndependent Agencies, Regulatory Commissions, and Public CorporationsAgencies Supporting the Legislature and the Judiciary
The State Level
Its own constitutionIts own asssetsNumerous departments and commissions
The Local Level
CitiesCountiesNative American TribesSpecial Purpose GovernmentsNonprofit Organizations and Associations
RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE LEGISLATIVE BODY
The Policy Process
Exploring Concepts: STAGES IN THE POLICY PROCESS
Agenda SettingPolicy FormulationPolicy LegitimationPolicy ImplementationPolicy Evaluation and Change
Political Context of PA Public administrators need awareness of how all the government systems work in an effort to become more effective in regards to what they doAttention to how leadership works in our political settings is essential to understanding how to get things done as a public administrator
Public AdministratorsPublic administrators are responsible for implementing public policyProposals are written and submitted the process includes….Organizations develop policies to guide their activitiesPublic agencies work together with executive, the legislature and the judiciary to seek important policy goals
Federal Government 3 BranchesExecutiveLegislatureJudiciary‘Founding Father’s’ had fears of concentrated power that’s why they divided the power
Administrative Organizations & Executive Leadership
Executive Office of the President- Office of Management & Budget, National Security Council, Council of Economic Advisers
Cabinet level executive departments- Department of Defense, Health & Human Services, Treasury, Agriculture, Housing & Urban Development, Education, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security (2002,) Ambassador to United Nations
Independent Agencies, Regulatory Commissions, and Public Corporations
Jurisdiction & Federalism
Jurisdiction- territorial range of government authority is sometimes used as a synonym for city or townFederalism- a system of government in which powers are divided between a central (national) government and regional (state) goverments.
Relationship Among 3 Levels of the GovernmentFederalStateLocalCooperation vs. conflictWho has policy making authority?
The Capacity of States & LocalitiesIn the 1950’s & 60’s policy reflected the interest of the elite1980’s state government transformed from weak links to progressive political units1990’s brought about local governments being ‘proact ...
DISCUSSION ONEPrepare Prior to completing this discussion que.docxmickietanger
DISCUSSION ONE
Prepare:
Prior to completing this discussion question, review Chapters 9 and 10 in
American Government
and the following articles: “
How Voter ID Laws Are Being Used to Disenfranchise Minorities and the Poor
,” “
Fraught with Fraud
,” and “
Proof at the Polls
.”
Reflect:
The U.S. has one of the lowest voter turnout rates among modern democratic political systems. One study ranks the U.S. 120th on a list of 169 nations compared on voter turnout (Pintor, Gratschew, & Sullivan, 2002). During the last decade, many initiatives have been undertaken to increase voter participation, yet concerns about the possibility of election fraud have also increased. Additionally, some political interests feel threatened by the increase in turnout among some traditionally low-turnout ethnic minorities. Several states have recently passed legislation imposing new registration and identification requirements. This has sparked debate about whether these are tactics intended to suppress turnout or to prevent fraud.
Write:
In your initial post, summarize recent developments in several states enacting voter ID laws. Analyze and describe the pros and cons on
both sides
of the debate about these laws. Is voter fraud a major problem for our democracy or are some groups trying to make it harder for some segments of society to vote? Draw your own conclusion about the debate over voter ID laws. Justify your conclusions with facts and persuasive reasoning.
Fully respond to all parts of the question and write your response in your own words. Your initial post must be 200 to 250 words. Support your position with APA citations from
two
or more of the assigned resources required for this discussion. Please be sure that you demonstrate understanding of these resources, integrate them into your argument, and cite them properly.
DISCUSSION TWO
Prepare:
Prior to beginning your reflection, review all course readings and videos as required.
Reflect:
The U.S. national government is based on the framework detailed in the U.S. Constitution. The process that the Founding Fathers used to map out our national government is fascinating and illuminating. The Constitution creates a system of checks and balances and separation of powers that have been focal points for class discussions. In addition, the Constitution identifies three main branches for the national government: the legislative, executive, and judicial, which are tasked, respectively, with the creation of the legislation to guide the country, the implementation and execution of that legislation, and the review of that legislation for constitutionality and legality. Interacting with the federal government includes a variety of different actors and political processes such as the states, political parties, interest groups, and federal elections. All these features create a vibrant and healthy democracy.
Write:
In your initial post of at least 200 to 250 words, explain how and why one feature of the U..
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
2. The Constitution and Bureaucracy
Bureaucracy
An organization that is structured hierarchically to carry out
specific functions
A common view
The Framers did not intend and had no role for a bureaucracy
The Framers didn’t say we need the CIA, FBI, IRS, or DARPA
They were never intended at the time of the Constitution
Is this correct?
3. The Constitution and Bureaucracy
Informational Function of the Executive Dept.
Article 2, Section 2: “[the President] may require the Opinion in
writing, of the principle Officer in each of the executive
Departments, upon any subject relating to the Duties of their
respective Offices”
What we know
Executive Departments are established
Heads of Departments offer opinions to the president
They have duties, but they’re not defined in the Constitution
4. The Constitution and Bureaucracy
Appointment Power
Article 2, Section 2: “…the Congress may vest the Appointment
of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President
alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments
Does the lack of mentioning specific executive departments
mean that the Framers didn’t want (or think) any would be
necessary?
5. The Constitution and Bureaucracy
Federalist #72 – “The administration of government, in its
largest sense, comprehends all the operations of the body
politic, whether legislative, executive, or judiciary; but in its
most usual and perhaps in its most precise signification, it is
limited to executive details, and falls peculiarly within the
province of the executive department”
Aspects included
Foreign negotiations
Finance
Application and disbursement of the public monies
Operations of war
6. History of Bureaucratic Efficiency
Patronage System (1829-1883)
Members of winning parties typically would appoint their faithful
constituents to government offices as a reward for their support
(and monetary contributions)
Andrew Jackson -- “To the victor go the spoils”
Connected to political machines
Strengthened parties
Attracted more constituents
Functioned as a tool of political control
Still exists in some major cities
7. History of Bureaucratic Efficiency
Civil Service Reform: The Pendleton Act (1883)
An act that established the principle of employment on the basis of merit and
created the Civil Service Commission
Competitive exams for federal positions
No dues-paying
No campaigning for federal office (Hatch Act of 1939)
No firing simply for political reasons
Civil Service Problem
De-politicization = insulation
Difficult to hire and fire
Overall – can the federal bureaucracy be efficient without politics?
8. The Modern Bureaucracy
Types of Agencies
Administrative agency
Federal, state, or local government unit established to perform a specific
function; typically used to enforce and administer specific laws
Independent executive agencies
Agency that is not part of the Cabinet but reports directly to the president
CIA, NASA, EPA, SSA
Independent regulatory agencies
Agency outside the major executive departments; charged with making and
implanting rules and regulations
FTC, Federal Reserve System, FCC
9. Bureaucracy as a Modern
Organization
Weberian model – model of bureaucracy developed by the
German sociologist Max Weber, who viewed bureaucracies as
rational, hierarchical organizations in which decisions are based
on logical reasoning
Fixed and official jurisdictions
Clear distinction between superiors and subordinates
Management based on written documents
Management presupposes training (and/or education)
Managing the office (department) is a full-time job
Management by a set of rules
Technical superiority leads to advancement of bureaucracy
10. Bureaucracy and Business
Government Corporation
Agency of government that administers a quasi-business enterprise
Tennessee Valley Authority, U.S. Postal Service, FDIC
Two approaches to governmental influence/interference with
business:
Nationalization
Takeover of a business by the national government
Ex. FDIC buying out a defaulting bank; the “great auto crisis” of 2008-09
Privatization
Replacement of government services with services provided by private firms
Ex. County prison systems; Blackwater security contracting in Iraq
11. Bureaucrats and Policy
Dated theories of public administration hold that bureaucrats do
not make policy, only implement it
Modern views hold that agencies play an important role in the
policy making process
Congress makes a law and someone eventually has to turn it into
concrete action; it’s best to consult with the people/group who will be
carrying out the action
The bureaucracy’s policymaking role can be depicted as:
An Iron Triangle (dated)
An Issue Network (modern)
12. Bureaucrats and Policy
Iron Triangle (dated view)
The three-way alliance among legislators, bureaucrats, and
interest groups to make or preserve policies that benefit their
respective interests
Issue Network (modern view)
A group of individuals or organizations that supports a particular
policy position on a given issue
May consist of legislators, staff, interest group leaders, bureaucrats, the
media, scholars, and other experts
13. Theories on Bureaucratic Agencies
Public Interest
Regulation: Agencies neutrally follow the missions given to them
Efficiencies: assumed to be efficient
Pathologies: missions might be too broadly or narrowly drawn;
resources may be insufficient
Public Choice
Regulation: agencies are captured by the very firms they regulate
Efficiencies: responsiveness to a coalition of interests outside the
agency
Pathologies: special interest dominate; bureaucrats essentially
become another special interest
14. Theories on Bureaucratic Agencies
Reputation
Regulation: based solely on agencies’ reputation
Military, FDA
Efficiencies: incentives to avoid errors; responsiveness to
various constituencies
Pathologies: high risk aversion; aversion to admission of
mistakes
Administrative justice over public legal disputes
15. Theories on Bureaucratic Agencies
Example: Why did “unprofessional” military officers dominate
Union Army leadership in the Civil War?
Lincoln appointed “unprofessional” generals: Nathaniel Banks,
Benjamin Butler, John Fremont, and John A. Logan
Military schools (think West Point) did not yet have reputation
for expertise and superior training
This came around the time of the Spanish-American War
Only in the 20th century do military academies gain superior
reputation within the military, society, and political institutions
16. Theories on Bureaucratic Agencies
Example: Why did the FDA accelerate drug approval in the
latter part of the 20th century?
1980-2004: the average drug approval time falls by 60% or better
2.5 years to less than 1 year
Public Choice theory: firms had been asking for acceleration all
along
Reputation theory: political organization of patients upset over
long drug approval times and their ability to influence the media
forced the FDA to respond
What’s the better choice?
17. Helping Out the Bureaucracy
Whistleblower
An individual who brings to public attention gross governmental
inefficiency or an illegal action
Typically someone who works within the offending agency
Civil Service reform in the 1970s and 198s encourages state and
federal employees to report employer wrongdoing
Some statutes offer monetary rewards
False Claims Act of 1986
Problems
Little evidence that whistleblowers actually receive protection
Over 40% of whistleblowers report that they no longer work for the agency
they reported
