Review Questions: The Bureaucracy

I received many questions about the bureaucracy. 

Here is a breakdown, and its only from one class: 
- state agencies
- day-to-day function
- the jobs the bureaucracy performs
- heads of the departments are not elected by the populous.
- local and state bureaucracy
- power of bureaucracy confusing.
- complicated and hierarchical structures
- how it makes decisions.
- bureaucrats' discretionary power
- Texas bureaucracy

The most important thing to remember is that the bureaucracy actually enforces the laws. I am part of the bureaucracy - a street level bureaucrat. My job is to implement state laws regarding the government requirement created by the state of Texas, specifically the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board under the authority granted it by the Texas Legislature, which itself acted under the authority granted it by the Texas Constitution.

Most people who work for a government, work for a bureaucracy of some type. Cops, first responders, teachers, city inspectors, border patrol, air traffic controllers, the military, and medical personnel among many others. The total number on the three levels of government is above 20 million. Well above. You may well find yourself one day to be a member of a bureaucracy implementing the law. 

If you do - think of me. :)

Yes, the members of the bureaucracy are not elected. Some people argue that this is a bad thing, I don't agree. Are you anxious to show up for an election for the people who are going to work for a water purification plant, or would you rather delegate that to a mayor who you can then hold collectively responsible for the performance of city workers? You're free to decide on your own, but I'm all for delegation. 

What jobs do they do? Whatever jobs are created by the government they work for.

- The US bureaucracy implements federal laws
- The Texas bureaucracy implements state laws
- Local bureaucracies are tricky. Many enforce state laws as well - most do actually. These laws are often adjusted to local circumstances. Municipal bureaucracies - cities - also enforce laws passed by the city government.

How do people get these jobs? They apply through the civil service process. The purpose is to depoliticize the bureaucracy so it can't be used for political purposes.

The power of the bureaucracy can certainly be confusing. They have discretionary authority in how they interpret the law, but not without limits. Discretion can be used to determine whether it is appropriate to provide exceptions in certain cases - like when a students forgets to take test 4. But this can also lead to favoritism. The inconsistent application of the law can also undermine the effectiveness of the law as well. Since the bureaucracy implements laws passed by the legislature, legislators can get upset when laws are not implemented as intended. Bureaucrats can consequently end up as punching bags. 

While hierarchical arrangements can be confusing, to some degree it should make things easier because the hierarchical structure should define job descriptions and the chain of command. That's the intent anyway.

I hope this brief sketch addresses lingering questions. Email me if you need clarification, but remember that your textbook is probably your most reliable resource right now.