Why does bureaucracy in our government seem to remain large despite the desires to limit it? That is, why does the bureaucracy always seem to include more government involvement in people's lives when people often state that they prefer less government? What role does the Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial branch play with respect to the Bureaucracy? Is limiting bureaucracy possible, or even desirable? Why or why not? Explain your responses fully.
Bureaucracy in our government
Full Answer Section
The Congress, the executive branch, and the judicial branch all play a role with respect to the bureaucracy.
- The Congress: The Congress creates the bureaucracy by passing laws that establish new agencies and programs. The Congress also controls the bureaucracy's budget, and it can use this power to limit the bureaucracy's growth.
- The executive branch: The president appoints the heads of most federal agencies, and the president can also issue executive orders that affect the bureaucracy. The executive branch also enforces the laws that create the bureaucracy, and it can use this power to limit the bureaucracy's power.
- The judicial branch: The courts can review the actions of the bureaucracy to ensure that they are constitutional. The courts can also strike down laws that create the bureaucracy if they are found to be unconstitutional.
Sample Answer
There are a number of reasons why bureaucracy in our government seems to remain large despite the desires to limit it.
- The growth of government programs: Over time, the government has created more and more programs to address a wide range of public needs. These programs require a bureaucracy to administer them, and this bureaucracy has grown over time.
- The complexity of government regulations: The government has also enacted a wide range of regulations that businesses and individuals must comply with. These regulations require a bureaucracy to enforce them, and this bureaucracy has also grown over time.
- The political power of the bureaucracy: The bureaucracy has become a powerful interest group in its own right. Bureaucrats have a vested interest in maintaining their jobs and expanding their power, and they often lobby Congress and the executive branch to create new programs and regulations.
- The public's demand for government services: The public often demands more government services, such as Social Security, Medicare, and education. These services require a bureaucracy to administer them, and this bureaucracy has also grown over time.