Final answer:
Bureaucracies are constrained by their own complex rules and procedures, known as 'red tape', and an internal culture that may discourage whistleblowing. Externally, elected officials and citizen actions like using FOIA also hold bureaucracies accountable. Despite these constraints, tensions with responsive governance remain a challenge due to the merit-based system and bureaucratic autonomy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bureaucracy has several constraints on itself, rooted in its own structure and the oversight mechanisms designed to ensure accountability. The internal constraints of bureaucracy include the development of rigid procedures and rules that may hinder responsiveness and flexibility, resulting in what is known as 'red tape.' This makes adapting to changes, such as addressing budget crises and modernizing policy responses, difficult. Bureaucracies are also challenged by intra-institutional loyalty, which may prevent individuals from reporting misconduct, as well as longstanding power structures that may perpetuate inequality.
On the other side, external oversight is exerted by elected officials using various strategies to control public administrators, like holding hearings, making appointments, and managing budgets. Citizens also have a role in oversight through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and elections. Furthermore, there's an expectation for bureaucrats to self-police through whistleblower channels, but this can come at a high personal cost to the individuals involved.
Finally, different types of bureaucratic organizations, including cabinet departments and regulatory agencies, were designed with varying functions to promote efficiency. However, the autonomy associated with a merit-based system in government bureaucracies often leads to tensions with elected officials, who may perceive a lack of responsiveness to their directives.