The article examines the relationship between the political appointees of executive departments and the civil service workers who run the bureaucracy there. Accordingly, there is great tension between executive heads and the bureaucrats over a variety of issues. Newly appointed heads, upon arriving on the job, wish to exert an amount of control over the bureaucrats, many of whom have experience in that department and field, or are career civil service workers. Some of these workers may attempt to bypass the authority of these executive heads, either because of personal agendas or feelings of self-righteousness. A large portion of the article is centered on the workings of the "iron triangle", the often quid-pro-quo relationship between Congress, the bureaucracy, and lobbying groups. Sabotage in the iron triangle is also inherent and used often for political and personal reasons.
I found it interesting to have an in depth look at the inner workings of the federal bureaucracy. The complex relationship between executive heads and bureaucratic workers, the behind the doors meetings, cloak-and-dagger-tactics are revealing look at Washington politics, one that is both slightly disheartening, and eye-opening. From an idealistic perspective, I would frown upon the tactics used by all groups to advance their own agenda. A realistic look at politics, however, tells me that this approach is natural, and it is what keeps the wheels of government working.
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