1. The Main Idea Reading Focus
Section 4: Independent Agencies and Regulatory Commissions
The Main Idea
The Independent Agencies and Regulatory Commissions of the U.S. government perform specialized duties.
Reading Focus
What are some examples of independent agencies, and what duties do they perform?
What are regulatory commissions, and who runs them?
What makes up the federal bureaucracy?

2. Section 4: Independent Agencies and Regulatory Commissions
Perform specialized duties that do not fit into regular departments
Some serve all of the departments and some assist the work of the entire government.
Examples:
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
Farm Credit Administration
Small Business Administration
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

3. Independent Agencies
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) coordinates the intelligence activities of certain government departments and agencies; collects, correlates, and evaluates intelligence information relating to national security; and makes recommendations to the United States National Security Council within the Executive Office of the President.

4. Independent Agencies
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works with state and local governments throughout the United States to control and abate pollution in the air and water and to deal with problems related to solid waste, pesticides, radiation, and toxic substances. EPA sets and enforces standards for air and water quality, evaluates the impact of pesticides and chemical substances, and manages the "Superfund" program for cleaning toxic waste sites

5. Independent Agencies
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. It licenses radio and television broadcast stations, assigns radio frequencies, and enforces regulations designed to ensure that cable rates are reasonable. The FCC regulates common carriers, such as telephone and telegraph companies, as well as wireless telecommunications service providers.

6. Independent Agencies
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces federal antitrust and consumer protection laws by investigating complaints against individual companies initiated by consumers, businesses, congressional inquiries, or reports in the media. The commission seeks to ensure that the nation's markets function competitively by eliminating unfair or deceptive practices.

7. Independent Agencies
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was established in 1958 to run the American space program. It placed the first American satellites and astronauts in orbit, and it launched the Apollo spacecraft that landed men on the moon in Today, NASA conducts research aboard earth-orbiting satellites and interplanetary probes, explores new concepts in advanced aerospace technology, and operates the U.S. fleet of manned space shuttle orbiters.

8. Independent Agencies
The United States Postal Service is operated by an autonomous public corporation that replaced the Post Office Department in The Postal Service is responsible for the collection, transportation, and delivery of the mails, and for the operation of thousands of local post offices across the country. It also provides international mail service through the Universal Postal Union and other agreements with foreign countries.

9. Regulatory Commissions
Section 4: Independent Agencies and Regulatory Commissions
Regulatory Commissions
Independent agencies that make rules and bring violators to court.
Commission heads are appointed by the president and approved by Congress to serve long terms.
Commissions are independent in order to freely do their jobs.

10. Regulatory Commissions (continued)
Section 4: Independent Agencies and Regulatory Commissions
Regulatory Commissions (continued)
Examples:
Federal Election Commission
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Securities and Exchange Commission
National Labor Relations Board

11. The Federal Bureaucracy
Section 4: Independent Agencies and Regulatory Commissions
The Federal Bureaucracy
Formed by the departments and agencies of the executive branch
Almost 3 million workers
Operates under heavy rules and regulations that create “red tape” but allow the executive branch to function

12. Commission on Civil Rights Farm Credit Administration
SECTION 4
Question: What are some of the independent agencies and regulatory commissions of the federal government?
Independent Agencies
Commission on Civil Rights
Farm Credit Administration
Regulatory Commissions
Federal Election Commission
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Securities and Exchange Commission
National Labor Relations Board
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Small Business Administration
Office of Personnel Management
General Services Administration

13. Chapter 6 Wrap-Up
1. What is the vice president’s role in the government?
2. What limitation did the Twenty-second Amendment place on the terms of the presidency?
3. What is the purpose of the State of the Union Address?
4. How does the president participate in the legislative process?
5. How does the Executive Office of the President serve the president?
6. What other position do the executive department heads hold?
7. Why are the independent agencies separate from the executive departments?