What are independent regulatory commissions, and how are they independent? Why are they removed from presidential and congressional control?
Answer:
An ideal response will:
1. Define independent regulatory commissions as units in the executive branch that make and enforce rules to protect the public interest, such as the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Communications Commission.
2. Note that that their independence comes from the structure: commissioners, once appointed, serve long terms and cannot be dismissed by the president; and these commissions do not report to the president like independent agencies do.
3. Explain that these agencies are removed from presidential and congressional control so that they will be insulated from political influence in decision-making.
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Economist Mancur Olson refers to what aspect of interest groups as "the size factor"?
A. Larger interest groups are able to draw on greater financial resources, which makes them more capable of getting the ear of lawmakers and thus achieving policy change. B. The smaller an interest group, the more likely that its motivating issue will be subsumed by the agenda of a larger interest group. C. The interests of groups with large memberships will typically prevail over the interests of smaller groups. D. Small groups are ordinarily more united on policy issues and often have more resources, enabling them to win out more often than large groups. E. Small interest groups can often enhance their bargaining power by linking themselves to the agenda of a larger interest group that has greater resources.
Lawmaking is generally equated with ______.
A. Congress B. the courts C. the presidency D. the bureaucracy
Which statement is true about the Economic Stabilization Fund?
a. The primary source of revenue for this fund is the cigarette tax. b. It needs two-thirds votes in each house to appropriate fund money during economic emergencies. c. During economic emergencies, it takes a separate 60 percent vote from both the House and the senate to tap the funds. d. It primarily funds wildlife parks.
Public agencies
a. play an important role in shaping public policy. b. do not provide testimony in support of policy proposals. c. have no role in formulating public policy. d. are not involved in the policy process.