One of the most important ways Congress can check presidential control of the bureaucracy is by

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All appointive positions in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches, except positions in the uniformed services. There are 15 branches of civil service, including agriculture, education, defense, homeland security, and etc. Congress can establish their retirement programs, special requirements for holding office, personnel ceilings, employee performance standards, wages, benefits, and cost-of-living adjustments.

Civil servants can engage in political activity but with some regulations. They can run for nonpartisan office, contribute money to political organizations, and attend rallies.

Can't do: run for partisan office, use authority to influence an election, wear political buttons while on duty.

Various laws impose a "cooling-off" period of 1-2 years after leaving office before lobbying their former departments.

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How can Congress check the authority of the bureaucracy?

Congress can check the bureaucracy by cutting or eliminating its budget. The courts can check the bureaucracy by invalidating their actions, if they are viewed as unconstitutional.

How does Congress control the bureaucracy quizlet?

Congress can control bureaucrats through the legislative veto. It refers to the power of a legislature, or one house of a bicameral legislature, to repeal an action of the executive authority. It gives Congress a second chance to examine decisions.

In what way does Congress try to control the bureaucracy?

Congress uses public hearings to monitor bureaucratic behavior. Under some circumstances, Congress can also control the bureaucracy by re-writing legislation and altering appropriations to provide greater direction to those who must implement its policies.

How does the president keep the bureaucracy in check?

Most directly, the president controls the bureaucracies by appointing the heads of the fifteen cabinet departments and of many independent executive agencies, such as the CIA, the EPA, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These cabinet and agency appointments go through the Senate for confirmation.