Essay #17

2.a.) One of the many key characteristics of the merit system is that hiring and promotion are based on the experience or qualifications of someone.

b.) The structure of the federal bureaucracy is very large and divided into specialized units and expertise. Jobs, in the federal bureaucracy, are assigned to those who have the most experience, making for efficient operation. 

The complexity of public policy problems is too much for Congress and the president to handle, so they delegate authority to the bureaucracy. The federal bureaucracy and its members can set rules and regulations in a non-discretionary way.

c.) Congress can reject presidential appointments to the bureaucracy and can pass legislation affecting the bureaucracy.

The courts, by process of judicial review, can declare bureaucratic actions unconstitutional.

Interest groups can use litigation and public freedoms, like protesting, lobbying, and speeches, to gain the attention of the courts or Congress, who can directly check the bureaucracy.