"It has been said that the Independent Regulatory Agencies create a 4th branch of government that has
increasingly more power in our daily lives."
What is your opinion on Independent Regulatory Agencies?
Consider the following and then formulate your opinion. You should use at least one of the bullet points below
to support your opinion and explain your reasoning!
• Independent Regulatory Agencies are created by Congress but serve under the Executive Branch.
• Like Cabinet Secretaries, larger agencies are led by a Presidential appointee (About 1%). The rest are not
appointed nor elected.
• Each agency sets rules and regulations that must be followed. Violations result in shut-downs, lawsuits, fines,
or even criminal charges.
• Each agency was created at the demand of people, through their representatives, seeking government
services and accountability.