AP U.S. Government and Politics Glossary

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Jonathan Milner Jonathan Milner

Federal Bureaucracy

Definition

The federal bureaucracy is the part of the US government that implements and enforces public policy. It is made up of a variety of agencies, including Cabinet departments, independent agencies, government corporations, and regulatory commissions. The federal bureaucracy uses discretionary power as delegated by Congress to interpret and implement policies. Through their rulemaking authority, federal bureaucratic agencies utilize their discretion to create and enforce regulations. Most federal bureaucrats are members of the civil service which primarily uses a merit system that prioritizes hiring and promotion based on professionalism, specialization, and neutrality, as opposed to political patronage. The leaders of federal departments and agencies are politically appointed and must answer to the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Bureaucratic agencies include:

  • Department of Homeland Security (cabinet department)

  • Department of Transportation (cabinet department)

  • Department of Veterans Affairs (cabinet department)

  • Department of Education (cabinet department)

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (independent agency)

  • Federal Elections Commission (FEC) (independent agency)

  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (independent agency)

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Example

 
 

Questions

  1. What is the federal bureaucracy?

  2. What do federal bureaucrats do?

  3. Find an image or emoji that does a good job of conveying the meaning of the federal bureaucracy.

  4. What is the relationship between federal bureaucrats and the branches of government?

  5. Who oversees the bureaucracy?

  6. Why are most bureaucrats non-political appointees?

  7. What bureaucratic department or agency have you personally had contact with?

  8. Who is your favorite bureaucrat?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw federal bureaucracy. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

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