This is one aspect I'd like to touch upon with a paper I'm writing, but I'm having trouble finding good information online that details the bureaucracy as the fourth branch. Yes, I know the basics as to why it would be, but I'm searching for a more in depth exploration of this.
I would be greatful if users could provide their own opinions as to why it is or is not the unelected fourth branch and could also provide me with links to further legitimate information.
Thanks!
2007-12-15 03:07:22 · 5 answers · asked by Katie R 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Further details:
This is also really a question about who controls the bureaucracy, when it comes down to it. Is the bureaucracy controlled by those who appoint it, by elections because the elected are also the appointers, or by the people to whom the bureaucrats are responsible to?
2007-12-15 03:14:31 · update #1
Still looking for that 10pt answer! It could be you! I'm looking for deeper digging.
2007-12-15 03:20:02 · update #2
EDIT: Please keep contributing! None of these answers suffice. One of the answers was pretty good, but it mentions that the first bureaucracy was created in the late 1800's by a businessman which was absolutely false! Bureaucracy has been around for a long, long time. Please include sources if possible!
2007-12-15 04:11:02 · update #3
Yes, it sort of is. Funny thing is that it was actually businessmen who started the first bureacracy in the 1890s. It was the Trade Assocation and it was basicallly a patronage system. Until, many sociologists and politicians changed that to give the jobs to 'eligible' people. We have over 1,200 bureacracies now and nothing has changed. This was all on the belief that a systematic, methodical hiearchy of goverment would make the problems dissapear. It hasn't. Now there is a clientele system where bureacrats in top positions make sure their 'friends' or people they used to work with benefit from many laws and rules they implement. This happens due to the broad delagation of our Congress, this gives the bureacracies power to create any rule they desire. It is the unelected fourth branch.
2007-12-15 04:06:31 · answer #1 · answered by cynical 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Politicians come and go, but the civil service goes on forever. It Carries out the task of administering the laws set by the three branches of government and at times is given authority to interpret laws by issuing regulations.
2007-12-15 03:13:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a subject that has been the source for many books and studies. And Will be for many more. Bureaucrats are part of any government. Without them any govt. would fall apart with a change in leadership. Ghengis Khan had them, Ceaser too.
2007-12-15 03:58:48 · answer #3 · answered by Charles C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bureaucracy is certainly a factor but doesn't it emanate from the other branches?
2007-12-15 03:12:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say yes, to a point. Lobbyists are padding the pockets of lawmakers, who in turn vote in big business favor.
2007-12-15 03:11:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋