[1] The English word bureaucracy (and bureau and bureaucrat) is derived from the French for a chest of drawers for paper, and thus it is understandable that the bureaucracy would develop a negative connotation related to paper-pushing.  What are some of the political vices, and political virtues, of the bureaucracysometimes called the fourth branch of government?  (See Kernell, pp. 219 ff and Issues pp. 113 ff.)

[2.] Similarly, a negative connotation applies to “special interest groups.”  Yet the Constitutions Framers (James Madison in particular) seemed to envision a healthy role for interest groups, namely the avoidance of majority or minority tyranny.  Are modern-day interest groups healthy or harmful for American democracy? (Consider their impacts on the political system and social policy – see Kernell pp. 383 ff. and Issues pp. 247 ff.)