Should federal bureaucrats have discretion in the implementation of public policies? If so, explain why and indicate how much discretion is appropriate. If not, explain why and propose ways that bureaucrats can be thwarted in their use of discretion
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Define administrative discretion as the ability of federal bureaucrats to make choices concerning the best way to implement congressional or presidential intentions.
2. If they should have discretion, explain why discretion is a good thing. For example, discretion may serve public interest, especially in the case of regulatory commissions that exercise authority independently of the president and Congress. These agencies, such as the Federal Reserve Board, may need to be insulated from political pressure to make balanced or far-sighted decisions. Explain how much discretion is appropriate.
3. If they should not have discretion, explain why discretion should be avoided. For example, note that administrative discretion may negatively affect democratic accountability because civil service employees make important policy decisions, yet they are not directly accountable to the public via the electoral process. Explain how the implementation process could be designed to prevent administrative discretion.
4. Take a position on the appropriateness of bureaucratic discretion in light of these competing perspectives.
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