ABSTRACT
As it has worked out historically, the embedded system of checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the US Government strongly maintains the status quo. It is exceedingly difficult to make program or organizational changes within government. This may entail improving either the methodology or processes to gain approval through the funding mechanism. Similarly, organizational changes that create or change internal structures require approval above the level of the individual agency located within an executive department. This approval must minimally come at the congressional committee level — and sometimes at the White House level. Less consequential changes (in terms of either cost or organizational structure) may occur within an organizational unit of a government agency — but only if they can be made within the budget or jurisdictional authority of that unit.
