Evolution of Federal Bureaucracy in the United States

1789 � 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.

1829 �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.

1881 �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.

1883 � 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.

1900 � 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.

1930 s � 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.

1939 � 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. Later amended in 1993 (see handout/flyer).

1940 s � 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.

1950 -1990 s �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 1930 s) also expands.

1978 �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.

2001 -2002 � The 9/11 terrorist attacks led to 15 th 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.

2004 � 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.

Summary: Reasons for Bureaucratic Growth response to public wishes and desiresproduct 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.