U4 Bureaucracy Departments

Question 1

What are Cabinet Departments?

Answer 1

Departments with major admin responsibilities over a broad policy area. Usually the Secretaries (heads) nominated by President, and approved by Senate. Serve the Length of the Presidents term. Ex: Department of State, Interior, etc.

Question 2

What are the Executive Agencies?

Answer 2

Departments with narrow areas of responsibility, specific public servies and a parent/child relationship with no cabinet departments. Serve length of President’s term. Ex: TSA, FFI, etc.

Question 3

What are Independent Regulatory Comissions?

Answer 3

Experts who regulate specific industries to protect public and are self-governed and controlled by President. They are internally regulated, headed by multi-member comissions/boards and nominated by President but confirmed by Senate. They cannot be easily fired and tend to serve 5-7 year terms. They, more than aanyone else, have to be neutral and non-political. Ex: Federal Reserve, FEC, CIA, etc.

Question 4

What are Government Corporations?

Answer 4

Hybrid government agency and private companies. They provide unprofitable services not provided by private companies. Ex: Amtrak, TVA, etc.