Chapter 10: The Federal Bureaucracy "Reinventing Government"

Introduction

In this chapter students learned about the bureaucracy of the government, the civil service system, and the advantages and disadvantages of the federal bureaucracy. In order to streamline the federal bureaucracy and eliminate wastefulness, former Vice President Al Gore began a campaign in 1993 to "reinvent government." In this activity students will take a closer look at this initiative.

Lesson Description

Students will visit the National Partnership for Reinventing Government (NPR) Web site to learn more about this initiative started by Vice President Al Gore in 1993. They will answer questions about the goals and accomplishments of this program and will then deliver a short presentation to their classmates about one of the initiatives of NPR.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to define the mission and goals of Al Gore's initiative to reinvent government.
2. Students will be able to connect the importance of growing technology to enhanced customer service, particularly in the federal bureaucracy.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. NPR is the longest-running and most successful government reform initiative in history. In its mission statement, it sets out to help government "work better, cost less, and get results Americans care about." It seeks to restore trust in government, provide the best customer service, and increase the public's electronic access to government.
2. The principles are to put customers first, cut red tape, empower employees, and cut back to basics.
3. Students' answers may vary but could include Congressional savings of more than $136 billion, a significant reduction in the size of the federal civilian workforce, improved customer service, and an increase in public trust of government to "do the right things."
4. The government used technology and the Internet to provide people better access to government services. Government Web sites provide one-stop interactions, such as downloading forms, electronic tax filing, and communicating with public officials.
5. Students' presentations will vary.