Final answer:
Concerns arising from Congress delegating authority to unelected bureaucrats include lack of accountability, potential inefficiencies, and the democratic legitimacy of their decision-making. Careful oversight is facilitated by Congress, the president, and citizens through various mechanisms like hearings, budget allowances, executive orders, and statements, as well as public tools like the FOIA.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Congress delegates decision-making authority to unelected leaders of the bureaucracy, several concerns might arise. One major concern is the potential lack of accountability these unelected officials may have compared to elected officials who are directly accountable to the voters. Additionally, the delegation may lead to inefficiencies and bloated bureaucracy as these agencies create their own rules and control their own budgets with less oversight. Moreover, the potential for these unelected bureaucrats to have their own agendas, which may not align with the electorate's preferences or with democratic principles, raises concerns about the democratic legitimacy of their decisions.
The intricate relationship between the president, Congress, and bureaucratic agencies necessitates careful oversight. Congress has specialized mechanisms, such as holding hearings and setting budget allowances, to exercise oversight of the bureaucracy. The president has tools such as executive orders and signing statements at their disposal to influence bureaucracy. Citizens also have mechanisms for oversight through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the power to vote to influence these unelected officials indirectly.