Chapter 15.2
The Federal Bureaucracy: How the US Government Gets Things Done
Explore the structure of the federal bureaucracy, from cabinet departments and independent agencies to the civil service system and congressional oversight.
What You'll Learn
The federal bureaucracy includes fifteen cabinet departments and independent agencies.
Secretaries lead cabinet departments and report directly to the President.
Civil servants are hired through merit-based competitive examination processes.
Congress maintains oversight through budget control and confirmation of leaders.
What You'll Practice
1
Students identify types of federal agencies and their leadership structures.
2
Learners analyze how rulemaking and congressional oversight ensure agency accountability.
3
Practice questions explore civil service protections and merit-based federal employment.
Why This Matters
Understanding the federal bureaucracy equips students to recognize how government policies are implemented and how citizens can hold federal agencies accountable in a democratic society.
This Unit Includes
Practice exercises
Learning resources
Skills
Federal Agencies
Civil Service
Rulemaking
Legislative Oversight
Cabinet Departments
OH Curriculum Aligned
