Government agencies are organizations within the machinery of government that administer or oversee particular public functions. This lesson explains what agencies are, how they differ from other public bodies, and how their roles and structures have changed over time.
A government agency—also called a state agency or, in some contexts, an appointed commission—is a permanent or semi-permanent organization in government responsible for administering or overseeing specific functions. Its work may concern a focused area of public administration, regulation, or service delivery.
All flashcards
What is a government agency?
A permanent or semi-permanent government organization responsible for administering or overseeing particular public functions.
What is an organic statute in U.S. administrative law?
A law enacted by Congress that establishes a federal agency and defines the scope of its authority.
What is judicial review of agency action?
Court review of agency action under applicable law.
What does agency accountability mean?
The ways an agency is answerable to oversight, which may involve ministers, legislatures, courts, or administrative procedures.
What is New Public Management?
A reform approach associated with developing distinct agency management responsibilities to improve public-service efficiency.
Quiz questions
How is a Dutch agentschap positioned within government?Answer: It is part of a ministry with separate management, while the minister retains control and responsibility.
What does Sweden's ban on ministerstyre prevent?Answer: Ministers from interfering in day-to-day agency operations or deciding individual case outcomes.
In the United Kingdom, to whom are non-departmental public bodies generally answerable?Answer: Directly to Parliament or the devolved assemblies.
What does a U.S. federal agency's organic statute do?Answer: It establishes the agency and defines the scope of its authority.
Based on the Wikipedia article Government agency, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.