Controlling Bureaucracies: Crash Course Government and Politics

The video discusses the complexities of bureaucracies in American politics, highlighting public disdain for them due to their association with taxes. It explores methods to control bureaucracies, such as before and after-the-fact controls, and strategies to limit their growth, including termination and deregulation. The video also examines devolution and privatization as ways to reduce bureaucracy, while acknowledging the challenges and political pressures involved. Ultimately, it emphasizes the significant role bureaucracies play in government functions and the difficulty in separating politics from governance.

What is one of the main reasons Americans dislike bureaucracies?

• They are funded by taxes.

• They promote innovation.

• They are seen as inefficient.

• They are too small.

Which type of control involves setting up the bureaucracy in a way that limits discretion?

• Public oversight

• Procedural control

• Financial control

• After-the-fact control

What is a common method Congress uses to oversee bureaucracies after they are established?

• Holding public hearings

• Appointing new agency heads

• Increasing funding

• Drafting new legislation

What is the term for completely eliminating a government agency?

• Privatization

• Termination

• Devolution

• Deregulation

What is a potential downside of deregulation?

• Improved service quality

• Increased government size

• More regulations

• Higher costs due to externalities

What does devolution involve in terms of bureaucratic functions?

• Increasing federal oversight

• Eliminating all regulations

• Shifting tasks to state and local governments

• Centralizing tasks at the federal level

What is a potential short-term issue with privatization?

• Reduced political appeal

• Increased efficiency

• Higher immediate expenses

• Lower costs