2.15 Policy and the Branches of Government 

The federal bureaucracy implements federal policies. 

Explain the extent to which governmental branches can hold the bureaucracy accountable given the competing interests of Congress, the president, and the federal courts. 

1 Formal and informal powers of Congress, the president, and the courts over the bureaucracy are used to maintain its accountability 

Controlling the federal bureaucracy involves both formal and informal powers of Congress, the president, and the courts to ensure accountability. The executive branch primarily seeks to manage itself, with the President of the United States acting as the chief manager. The Oath of Office mandates the President to "faithfully execute" the laws, leading each administration to focus on improving the federal bureaucracy. For example, President Bill Clinton launched a National Performance Review, requiring federal agencies to reassess their missions and goals. President George W. Bush took this a step further by applying business principles to government services and increasing privatization within the federal bureaucracy, which is one factor contributing to the steady number of federal employees as responsibilities have shifted to outside contractors. Similarly, President Barack Obama encouraged agencies to adopt behavioral science techniques to enhance efficiency through Executive Orders. While these efforts to reinvent government are well-intentioned, achieving the desired outcomes is often challenging.

Congress also plays a crucial role in overseeing the federal bureaucracy. U.S. Congress has the authority to monitor its activities, conducting public hearings where bureaucratic entities must explain their actions. In addition to drafting the legislation that establishes federal agencies, Congress controls the bureaucracy through budget decisions. The power of the purse serves as an effective tool for regulating the federal bureaucracy. However, the formation of iron triangles—networks of congressional committees, federal agencies, and special interest groups—often weakens the impact of congressional oversight. These iron triangles tend to reinforce each other’s objectives, making significant reform more difficult.