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Who exercises control over the bureaucracy (and how)?

User Edz
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Final answer:

Control over the bureaucracy is primarily exercised by the president, who makes appointments subject to Senate confirmation, and Congress, which has oversight through funding and hearings. Citizens contribute to oversight through the FOIA, by voting, and whistleblowing. The control mechanisms intend to ensure bureaucracies function legally and efficiently.

Step-by-step explanation:

Control over the bureaucracy is exercised by different actors within the United States government and society. Most directly, the president has control over federal bureaucracies by appointing the heads of cabinet departments and some independent executive agencies, subject to Senate confirmation. Additionally, Congress maintains oversight through its power to fund bureaucracies and approve presidential appointments. Congressional committees hold hearings that range from routine oversight to intense scrutiny in the case of major issues.

Citizens also play a role in bureaucratic oversight through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), by voting, and by acting as whistleblowers to call attention to abuses within the bureaucracy. Negotiated rulemaking processes have been introduced to reduce conflicts and encourage consensus in the rulemaking process. These varied oversight measures are aimed to ensure that bureaucracies function effectively and in accordance with the law and public interest.

User Tracy
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