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Course: US government and civics > Unit 2
Lesson 11: The bureaucracy: functions and responsibilitiesThe bureaucracy: lesson overview
A high-level overview of the role of the federal bureaucracy in US government.
The bureaucracy carries out the responsibilities of the federal government. The merit system, in which bureaucrats are hired and promoted based on their skills rather than their political connections, has enhanced the effectiveness of the bureaucracy.
Key terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| bureaucracy | An administrative group of nonelected officials charged with implementing policies created by the other branches of government. |
| civil service | The permanent, professional branches of government administration. The civil service is nonpartisan and its employees are hired and promoted based on merit rather than patronage. |
| iron triangle | A longstanding, mutually-beneficial relationship between an interest group, congressional committee, and bureaucratic agency devoted to similar issues. For example, the American Association of Retired Persons, the Congressional Subcommittee on Aging, and the Social Security Administration all work closely on issues related to seniors. |
| issue network | A group of individuals, public officials, and interest groups that form around a particular issue, usually a proposed public policy that they wish to support or defeat. |
| merit system | In the federal bureaucracy, the practice of hiring and promoting individuals based on their qualifications and job performance. |
| patronage | In the federal bureaucracy, the practice of hiring and promoting individuals based on their political support for a party or candidate rather than on their merit. Also called the spoils system. |
Key takeaways from this lesson
Professionalism in the bureaucracy — The bureaucracy carries out the responsibilities of the federal government to regulate and enforce individual and commercial activities. Except for top-level political appointees, employees of the bureaucracy are specialists in their fields, who are hired and promoted based on merit rather than on their connections to politicians.
The transition from a patronage-based bureaucracy to a merit-based system has increased the bureaucracy's professionalism and expertise. The bureaucracy is nonpartisan and career civil servants tend to span many presidential administrations, allowing for continuity in the public sector.
Review questions
Why is the federal bureaucracy necessary? What role does it play in the policymaking process?
What impact does the merit system have on the effectiveness of the bureaucracy?
What's the difference between an iron triangle and an issue network?
Want to join the conversation?
Which of the following statements best illustrates the concept of issue networks?(7 votes)
Which part of an iron triangle gathers information, oversees regulations, and relies on Congress for its funding?(5 votes)- The Bureaucracy(1 vote)
- What is a power that belongs to the bureaucracy?(2 votes)
Congress has given the bureaucracy the power to enforce the law. Because the bureaucracy is made up of many governmental agencies/entities, their power varies, but their purpose in upholding laws/statutes remains the same.(2 votes)
- Is it really true the goverment taxes so they can pavestreets.(2 votes)
- There are several reasons that the government collects taxes. They can include funding public schools, providing more jobs, and military projects/research. Others include investing in goods/services for the public, which includes improving roadways.(2 votes)
- Which part of an iron triangle gathers information, oversees regulations, and relies on Congress for its funding?(2 votes)
- What is Khan Academy?(2 votes)
- Which statement best illustrates the issue.(2 votes)
- Why is the federal bureaucracy necessary?(1 vote)
- To implement policy(2 votes)
if reality becomes your future and the things in your future become the past then does reality alter the present(1 vote)