The Growth Of Bureaucracy In The United States

1. The bureaucracy has evolved greatly over time. During its first 150 years, the United States was not thought to have a “bureaucracy”, but there were appointed civilian officials. The Founders left it up to Congress to decide how the heads of the necessary departments were to be selected, and whether or not the heads of the departments should form a council to advise the President and share in his authority. Congress proceeded to agree that the President has the sole right of removal. The original departments of the bureaucracy were small and had limited duties. The State Department was the first to be created, and had nine employees plus the Secretary. The War Department did not reach 80 civilian employees until 1801, when it commanded only

At this time, the Post Office Department expanded as population and commerce expanded. From 1869 to 1901, the number of post offices across the United States increased by 50,000. After 1861 the growth of the bureaucracy was not primarily explained by the expansion of the postal service, but by new departments being added that reflected a greater emphasis on the enlargement of the scope of government. Between 1861 and 1891, over 200,000 civilian employees were added to the federal service. By 1901, there were over 44,000 civilian defense

The “military-industrial complex” is government entities, specifically the Department of Defense, become too “comfortable” with the manufacturers of the weapons it provides for the Armed Forces. The agency grows to ignore the political branches of government, even acting on its own imperatives. This description carries a negative connotation. Some argue that the United States’ worldwide commitments, its large military, and the use of new, high-technology weapons have created a vast industrial machine. This machine is allied with the Pentagon in a way that dominates the political officials who are normally in charge of the Armed Forces. However, the United States has become a world military force because of a decision made by elected officials in 1949-50, not by a military-industrial complex. The industrial machine calls for weapons research, development, and acquisition, but the development and purchase of weapons is made in a wasteful manner. The allocation of funds among the several armed services is also dictated by inter-service rivalry or strategic political motives,