LibGuides: Social Studies: Bureaucracy [AP GOV]

Independent Agencies

Independent agencies are created by Congress, and are similar to Cabinet Departments, but are smaller and focus on more specific policy areas.
The agency heads are appointed by the President, and confirmed by the Senate.
The president may remove agency heads at any time without congressional approval

There are 15 Executive Departments, led by a Secretary or the Attorney General (Justice Department).
The heads are chosen by presidential appointment and confirmed by the Senate.
A department secretary can be fired by the president at any time without congressional approval.
Within each department, there are agencies of greater specialization.
- If you have an agency from this list, you must figure out what Executive Department your agency is within.

The Independent Regulatory Agencies are created by an act of Congress, and are to be autonomous agencies.
While they are considered part of the executive branch,they are to be independent of the executive departments and the president.
These agencies are to impose and enforce regulations free of political influence.
They are typically run by 5-10 member boards, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
They tend to have specific terms of office, with terms staggered so a single president could not necessarily appoint all members.
The president does not have the authority to remove agency heads, which is part of their independent nature.
Members generally may not all be from the same political party.

Government corporations are agencies that conduct business or produce products for the nation.
They are organized like private corporations with a board of directors and general manger, and they usually charge for their services.
The president selects most of the top officers, with Senate confirmation.
These have generally been created to serve markets that would not be profitable for the private sector, and have varying degrees of independence.
They are often subject to congressional actions that control their missions and goals.

The Executive Offices of the Presidency [EOP] includes highly influential policy-related offices and agencies.
Heads of agencies are filled through presidential appointment, but no Senate confirmation is required.
The President may remove heads of these agencies at any time without congressional approval.