M6 Discussion: Elections and Branches of Government Topic II
A system of governance known as a bureaucracy is characterized by the majority of
major decisions being made by state bureaucrats rather than by elected representatives. The
administrative core of governance is the bureaucracy. Executive agencies and departments
interpret and carry out policies that are enacted by powerful decision makers. Bureaucratic
groups were established by elected officials to carry out vital public duties on a daily basis and,
more so, during times of national emergency (The executive branch, 2024). President of the
United States, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and head of state, is
the ultimate authority in the Executive Branch. The heads of the federal agencies, including the
Cabinet, are appointed by the President, who is also in charge of carrying out and upholding the
laws passed by Congress. A member of the Executive Branch, the Vice President is prepared to
take over as President in the event that circumstances warrant it. The Cabinet and independent
federal agencies are responsible for the day-to-day enforcement and administration of federal
laws (National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). Administrative agencies perform
quasi-judicial, quasi-legislative, and executive duties. They have the authority to carry out
adjudicatory hearings regarding infractions of laws or regulations, enforce existing laws and
regulations, and establish new ones through the rulemaking process (Justia, 2023).
The strengths of a bureaucratic system include the efficiency: By adhering to set
protocols and regulations, bureaucratic systems guarantee that work is completed on time and
consistently. Specialization: Bureaucratic systems facilitate the division of labor, allowing
individuals to focus on particular tasks, which can boost productivity and expertise in the areas in
which they are specialized. Clear Hierarchy: Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined in
bureaucratic systems, which also feature a clear chain of command. This clarity facilitates
accountability, coordination, and decision-making. The weakness of a bureaucratic system
include rigidity: Bureaucratic systems may be difficult to modify and slow to do so. Following
established protocols and guidelines could stifle creativity and the ability to adapt to changing
circumstances. Communication Barriers: The many levels of hierarchy found in bureaucratic
systems can make it difficult to communicate with one another. Miscommunication and
inefficiencies can result from information being delayed or misunderstood as it moves through
several levels (UK Essays, 2023).
Since the U.S. Constitution was ratified, the presidency's authority has changed
dramatically. The presidency was originally intended by the Founding Fathers to have restricted
powers, but as the federal government grew and other events like wars and crises occurred, the
president's position grew over time. The expansion of presidential powers, Presidents have
frequently taken on more authority during times of crisis and conflict. For instance, President
Lincoln suspended habeas corpus during the Civil War, utilizing authority not expressly
authorized by the Constitution (Dueholm, 2008).
References
Dueholm, J. A. (2008). Lincoln’s suspension of the writ of habeas corpus: An historical and
constitutional analysis. Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association.
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/j/jala/2629860.0029.205/--lincoln-s-suspension-of-the-writ-of-
habeas-corpus?rgn=main%3Bview#:~:text=%5B1%5D%20Lincoln%20issued%20his
%20order,generally%20called%20the%20suspension%20clause.
Justia. (2023, June 5). Administrative Law Center.
https://www.justia.com/administrative-law/#:~:text=Administrative%20agencies%20have
%20executive%2C%20quasi,violations%20of%20laws%20or%20regulations.
National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). The executive branch. National Archives
and Records Administration. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/1600/executive-branch
The executive branch: Bureaucracy in a democracy. Chapter 8: The Executive Branch:
Bureaucracy in a Democracy | American Government, Core 12e: W. W. Norton
StudySpace. (2024).
https://wwnorton.com/college/polisci/american-government12/core/ch/08/outline.aspx
UK Essays. (2023, November 6). Strengths and weaknesses of bureaucracy. UKEssays.
https://us.ukessays.com/essays/commerce/strengths-and-weaknesses-of-bureaucratic-
organizations-commerce-essay.php
