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"All of the following are true about bureaucracies EXCEPT"

a) They usually complete tasks far more quickly and efficiently than the private sector would
b) They are difficult to do away with once created
c) Much of their power is delegated to them by Congress, who cannot effectively oversee the implementation of every law they pass
d) They offer a degree of stability across presidential administrations

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The incorrect statement about bureaucracies is that they are more quick and efficient than the private sector; they provide stability in government but are resistant to change and can be inefficient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about bureaucracies that is not true is 'They usually complete tasks far more quickly and efficiently than the private sector would.' Bureaucracies are known for their complexity, hierarchical structure, and focus on processes which can often lead to slower and less efficient outcomes than those achieved by the private sector, which strives for cost reduction and profit maximization. However, bureaucracies do play a vital role in government functionality and offer stability across different presidential administrations.

Bureaucracies often face challenges such as adherence to explicit rules and division of labor which can impede quick changes and innovation. Oversight involves Congress, the president, citizens, and other entities attempting to monitor and influence the actions of these complex organizations. Privatization has been suggested as a means to improve efficiency though this notion is subject to debate, and bureaucracies themselves exhibit resistance to change.

Furthermore, bureaucracies are difficult to dismantle once they are established, and Congress delegates much of its power to these entities because they lack the capacity to oversee every aspect of law implementation. The long-standing structure of bureaucracies also tends to favor existing power balances, making the transformation of these institutions a slow and challenging process.

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