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
- Students will be able to define the mission and goals
of Al Gore's initiative to reinvent government.
- Students will be able to connect the importance of growing
technology to enhanced customer service, particularly in
the federal bureaucracy.
Student Web Activity Answers
- 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.
- The principles are to put customers first, cut red tape,
empower employees, and cut back to basics.
- 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."
- 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.
- Students' presentations will vary.
Go to Student Web Activity
