State and Local Government
Session 9: Government Bureaucracy

Materials

• Class notes
• Internet access (optional)

Instructional Activities

1. Review the content from the previous session.
   
   
2. Ask students to define the term bureaucracy. Discuss this definition with students. Ensure students understand that government bureaucracies conduct the day-to-day operation of government.
   
   
3. Display the following on the board of overhead and discuss each with the students:
   
   Bureaucracies shape the meaning of laws passed by legislatures through rule making and help to draft new bills for lawmakers.
   
   Some bureaucrats shape policy by providing information and advice to the executive branches of government.
   
   
4. Instruct students to work in groups to develop a chart that identifies the levels of bureaucracy. The chart should include pictures that reflect that particular level and its actions. Provide computers or old magazines where pictures can be obtained to assist students. The following levels of bureaucracy should be included in the chart:
   •    National
   –    Cabinet departments
   –    Office of the President
   –    Federal agencies
   •    Virginia
   –    Cabinet departments
   –    Office of the Governor
   –    State agencies
   •    Local
   –    County/city agencies
   –    Regional authorities
   
   Students may find the following Web sites helpful in this activity:
   “American National Government.” <http://www.socialstudieshelp.com/APGOV_The_Bureaucracy.htm>.
   “Local Empowerment Key in Fighting Federal and State Bureaucracy.” <http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/fr/904666/posts>.