- a formal structure
- a division of labor
- a set of rules/procedures by which it operates
then it is most likely a part of the bureaucracy.
3 models of bureaucracy
- Weberian model
bureaucracies are rational, hierarchical organizations in which decisions are made based on logival reasoning
- Acquisitive model
bureaucracies are led by people who seek to grow their budget and staff to gain greater power
- Monopolistic model
bureaucracies lack competition, leading them be inefficient and costly operations
All organized under the Executive Branch
Employs about 2.7 million people
Top administrators are political appointees
Most other bureaucrats are knowledgeable/skilled employees
Executive Departments
Major units of administration and policy making
Headed by Secretary
Account for roughly 60% of all government employees (see Figure 14-1 on p.486)
Often smaller departments within each executive department
Only 3 departments to start with (State, Treasury, War)
New departments often created when issues became to big for Congress to legislate solutions
Currently 15 departments
Homeland Security is the most recent addition
Defense Department is largest Executive Department by far
over 3 million employees and budget of $480 billion in 2008
