Evolution of Federal Bureaucracy

in the United States

Department of Foreign Affairs (Department of State) first federal agency created under Constitution. First “bureaucracy”.

Washington appointed four people to advise him as President, became first cabinet.

Article II, Section 3 of Constitution: President responsible to appoint public officials, ambassadors, judges, and “all other officers” of United States. Between 1789 and 1829, members of bureaucracy drawn from upper middle class /white male elite.

1789

President Andrew Jackson used the spoils (patronage) system to fill federal vacancies which rewarded party loyalists with important federal posts.

One benefit of the spoils system was that it assured full turnover in federal offices.

1829

With the spoils system coming under fire (because it allowed people with no knowledge and background to work in federal positions) and after the assassination of President Garfield by a disappointed office seeker, Congress passes the Pendleton Act.

1881

The Pendleton Act created U.S. Civil Service Commission, placing most federal government employees on the merit system (abolished the spoils system).

Required applicants to take civil service exam to be given certain jobs; prevented elected officials and political appointees from firing civil servants, removing civil servants from influences of political patronage and partisan behavior.

Only 10% of all federal appointees initially made subject to process of selection by examination.

www.careers.state.gov

1883

By the turn of the century, the Presidential cabinet had grown from four to eight positions.

Up to this point: Department of State, Treasury, War (Defense), and Justice (1789); Interior (1849); Agriculture (1862); Commerce and Labor (1903) –divided into two separate departments in 1913.

1900

The Great Depression and FDR’s New Deal established numerous agencies and programs (over 15) which required government oversight (at both the local, state, and federal levels).

Agencies and programs designed to get people back to work and the country of the Depression.

1930s

Hatch Act restricted ability of federal employees to participate in partisan political activities.

The goal: Prohibited federal employees from membership in "any political organization which advocates the overthrow of constitutional form of government."

Many believed restrictions infringed on Constitutional rights of federal employees.

A. Can’t run for office B. Can’t be involved in campaigns—no political activity C. Can’t make political speeches D. Can’t publish political information E. Can’t work to partisan register people in a party F. Can still vote

1939

http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/12182-1

Congress work towards reforming Hatch act in 1993

Revisions under Clinton 1993 1. may register and vote as

they choose 2. may assist in voter

registration 3. may express opinions about

candidates and issues4. may contribute money to

political organizations or attend political fund-raising functions

5. may wear or display badges, buttons, stickers

6. may attend political rallies and meetings

7. may hold positions in political parties

8. may not be candidates for public office in partisan elections

9. may not use official authority to interfere with or affect the results of an election

10.may not solicit partisan support in the workplace

After World War II, Department of Defense created (1947) to serve as national military establishment under a single secretary.

Secretary preside over former Department of War (1789) and Department of the Navy (1798; formerly the Board of Admiralty (1780).

The Department of the Air Force also created as new service (had been part of the War Department as the United States Army Air Force), and made part of Defense Department.

1940s

The Cold War increases the size of the defense department and associated agencies.

All branches of armed forces grow significantly. The Department of Veteran Affairs (created in 1930s) also expands.

1950-1990s

U.S. Civil Service Commission renamed “Office of Personnel Management”.

The OPM manages civil service for the government. OPM administers civil service laws, rules, and regulations.

Administers written examinations for competitive service, responsible for hiring for most government agencies.

1978

The 9/11 terrorist attacks led to 15th cabinet department.

Homeland Security Act of 2002 established the Department of Homeland Security in November 2002. Intended to consolidate U.S. executive branch organizations related to "homeland security" into single Cabinet agency.

22 agencies incorporated into new department including the Secret Service, Coast Guard, and U.S. Border Patrol.

2001-2002

Overhaul of U.S. intelligence system: Intelligence Reform & Terrorism Prevention Act.

Established: Director of National Intelligence (DNI), National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), and Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board.

15 intelligence agencies placed under control of intelligence director, including the CIA and FBI.

Rearranged many cabinet departments and operation of many independent agencies.

2004

response to public wishes and desires- product recall, increase safety measures, etc…

national crisis- Great Depression, wars, terrorist attacks, pandemics

subdivision of departments- government decides to reorganize/restructure

more state and local programs- boards, commissions, agencies created at federal level often require states to meet requirements. Issue of Federalism.

Summary:Reasons for Bureaucratic Growth