Which two types of bureaucratic organizations exist in the federal government?

The correct answer identifies two principal types of bureaucratic organizations in the federal government: line agencies and staff agencies.

Line agencies are those that carry out the fundamental tasks of the government, such as implementing laws and delivering services directly to the public. Examples include departments like Homeland Security or the Department of Education, which directly administer programs and policies.

Staff agencies, on the other hand, provide support and expertise to line agencies. They perform functions such as research, policy analysis, and planning, helping to shape and implement the direction of the line agencies. For instance, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is considered a staff agency, as it assists the President in overseeing the preparation of the federal budget and evaluating the performance of federal agencies.

The distinction between these two types of agencies is crucial for understanding how the federal government operates, as it illustrates the division of labor within the bureaucracy and the interplay between those directly implementing programs and those providing essential support.