Who should ideally oversee the activities of the bureaucracy?

Elected officials are ideally positioned to oversee the activities of the bureaucracy due to their role as representatives of the public and their accountability to voters. This oversight is crucial because elected officials have the authority to set policy priorities and ensure that the bureaucracy operates within the framework established by laws and regulations passed by the legislative branch. By making sure that bureaucratic actions align with the democratic will, elected officials can help to uphold transparency and responsiveness in government operations.

The relationship between elected officials and the bureaucracy is essential for maintaining checks and balances within the government, as elected officials can hold bureaucratic agencies accountable for their actions and decisions through hearings, budgetary controls, and legislative oversight. This oversight reinforces the principle that the bureaucracy serves the public interest and operates effectively in pursuit of the common good.

While civil service employees play a vital role in the implementation of policies and the functioning of government services, their primary responsibility is to execute the directives set forth by elected officials, rather than overseeing the overall activities. The general public, while critical to the democratic process, does not have a direct role in overseeing bureaucratic functions, although public opinion can influence elected officials. Independent agencies, while able to operate with a degree of autonomy, still fall under the purview of elected officials who are