Module 4 examines administrative agencies, which are part of the Executive Branch of the federal government and led by the President. There are two types of administrative agencies: “executive” and the “independent” administrative agencies. The primary distinction between the two types of agencies is that the heads of executive administrative agencies are appointed by the president and serve “at the president’s pleasure.” This means that executive agency heads can be fired by the president at any time, for any reason. Examples of executive administrative agencies include the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Small Business Administration, and the Veteran’s Administration. In contrast, the commissioners appointed to serve on independent administrative agencies serve fixed terms. These commissioners are initially appointed by the president, with the “advice and consent” of the United States Senate, but they cannot be removed except for cause. Examples of independent administrative agencies include the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Serving fixed terms is thought to make commissioners of independent administrative agencies less accountable to the will of the President, which is inherently a political position.

Provide your answer in three paragraphs. 

Paragraph 1: 

Should those administrative agencies currently classified as executive agencies be transformed into independent agencies? 

Paragraph 2: 

What advantages or disadvantages would result from such a change? 

Paragraph 3: 

To what extent—if any—do executive agency heads owe allegiance to the President? You must cite sources to support your answer.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Paragraph 1 Transforming administrative agencies currently classified as executive agencies into independent agencies would be a significant alteratio... View the full answer