Can someone explain bureaucracy?

Question

Are officials in a bureaucracy elected? If so, how? If not, what happens?

Answer 1

bureaucracy:  the fine art of taking 2 years to accomplish a task that the private sector completes in 2 days.

it's the art of "don't blame me" so i can get re-elected.  walk extremely slowly, and make no waves.  take no responsibility and no radical stance.  do things because that's the way they have always been done, not because they are right or wrong.

unfortunately it also means inefficiency, endless repetition, and internal machinations working for the sake of themselves, not the good of the country.  it's a giant gerbil wheel.

Answer 2

The bueaucracy is a bloated system that perpetuates itself by working issues with no intention of ever resolving them, which is how they perpetuate their existence because they become political sacred cows. The various departments are headed by political appointees who are usually named by the President and confirmed by the Senate. So what we have is this huge bloated ineffective bureaucracy and its only function in life is to spend and redistribute increasing amounts of money appropriated by Congress to satisfy promises made to the voters back home that their needs and problems will be addressed.  You and I and other taxpayers are paying for this nonsense while millions are simply on the public dole and contribute nothing.  I liken the bureaucracy to a black hole from whence neither light or intelligence can escape.

So-- who do you really think can fix that mess?  Democrats who promise even more huge federalized health, education and social programs, or Republicans like McCain and Palin who have a demonstrated track record of supporting government reform.

Answer 3

They get assigned by the executive branch.  

Answer 4

They are unelected employees, either civil service or apointees.