What theories of bureaucracy holds that agencies do actually respond to the wishes of elected officials?

The theory of "political oversight" posits that bureaucracies respond to the preferences and directives of elected officials, as these officials wield authority over budget allocations and policy priorities. Additionally, the "principal-agent theory" suggests that elected officials (principals) delegate authority to bureaucrats (agents) but maintain mechanisms, such as performance evaluations and political accountability, to ensure alignment with their goals. These frameworks emphasize the interaction between elected leaders and bureaucratic agencies, suggesting that while agencies operate independently, they are still influenced by the political environment and directives from elected officials.