Technology
The Principal–Agent Problem in Bureaucratic Delegation and Oversight
Quick fact
The U.S. Congress has passing laws and can fire agency heads, but it often relies on 'fire-alarm' oversight: waiting for citizens and interest groups to scream before investigating. This means most bureaucratic actions go unchecked—yet when problems explode, oversight skyrockets.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever delegated a task to a colleague and then worried they weren't doing it the way you would? Now imagine that colleague has all the expertise, and you only see the final report. That is the daily reality of Congress and the thousands of federal agencies it oversees.