Which principle describes the division of responsibilities among different federal agencies?

The principle of specialization describes the division of responsibilities among different federal agencies because it emphasizes the idea that agencies are organized around specific tasks or areas of expertise. Each agency is created to focus on particular functions or issues, which allows for greater efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out governmental responsibilities. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specializes in environmental protection, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) focuses on food safety and drug regulation.

By organizing agencies in this manner, the federal bureaucracy can ensure that individuals with the appropriate skills and knowledge are addressing complex issues, leading to more informed decision-making and better policy outcomes. Specialization helps prevent overlap and confusion in responsibilities, allowing each agency to develop expertise in its designated area.

This contrasts with the concepts of decentralization, collaboration, and standardization. Decentralization refers to the distribution of authority away from a central authority and is more about the structure of governance rather than the division of responsibilities among agencies. Collaboration involves working together across agencies but does not inherently define their individual responsibilities. Standardization pertains to uniform procedures or practices across agencies, which does not directly address how tasks are divided among them.