Presidents are often frustrated with the bureaucracy. Why might conflict exist between the goals and desires of the president and the goals and desires of career members of the federal bureaucracy?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Conflict between the goals and desires of the president and career members of the federal bureaucracy can arise due to a variety of reasons.

Firstly, the president is an elected official with a specific agenda and vision for the country, which may not align with the long-term goals and desires of career bureaucrats. Bureaucrats are often focused on maintaining stability and continuity in their agencies, which can sometimes clash with the president's desire for change and reform.

Additionally, career members of the federal bureaucracy may have their own professional and institutional interests that differ from the president's agenda. They may be resistant to change or new policies that could disrupt their established ways of doing things or threaten their job security.

Furthermore, the president's political appointees may also clash with career bureaucrats, as they may have different priorities and loyalties. This can create tension and conflict within the bureaucracy, as career members may feel pressure to comply with the president's agenda while also trying to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of their agencies.

Overall, conflict between the goals and desires of the president and career members of the federal bureaucracy is a natural result of the different perspectives, priorities, and interests at play within the complex and diverse federal government.

Presidents Are Often Frustrated with the Bureaucracy