The Federal Bureaucracy  

Bureaucracy: a large, complex administrative structure that handles the everyday business of government.

Deliver mail, collect taxes, defend the nation, administer Social Security, regulate business practices, manage the national forests.... 

 It is an efficient and effective way to organize people [bureaucrats] to do work.

Bureaucrats are the implementers of public policy

Three Features of a Bureaucracy

1-Hierarchical authorityOrganization structured like a pyramid: chain of command running from top of pyramid to the base. Few officials at top have authority over those officials at the larger middle level, who direct activities of the many at the bottom. 2-Job specializationEach bureaucrat has certain defined duties and responsibilities. A precise division of labor 3-Formalized rulesBureaucracy does its work according to established regulations and procedures. Set out in writing.

Benefits of a Bureaucracy

Effective

Job specialization promotes efficiency  Speeds up action by reducing conflicts over who has the power and authority to make decisions