Certain agencies are called independent agencies because they are set up outside the executive departments and are intended to operate with a degree of independence from direct presidential control.
Here are the key reasons they’re considered "independent":
Not Part of Cabinet Departments: Unlike cabinet departments, independent agencies do not fall under the direct authority of a cabinet secretary. Instead, they report directly to the president or to Congress, depending on their structure.
Leadership Structure: Many are led by commissions or boards with multiple members (e.g., the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission). These leaders often serve fixed, staggered terms, which means the president cannot easily remove them at will.
Removal Protections: In some cases, the heads of these agencies can only be removed "for cause" (such as neglect of duty or misconduct) rather than at the president’s discretion. This is designed to insulate them from political pressure.
Specialized Functions: Independent agencies are often created by Congress to handle technical, regulatory, or enforcement tasks that require expertise and should be less subject to partisan politics. Examples include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NASA, and the Social Security Administration.
Balance of Power: Their independence helps ensure that certain important functions—like regulating markets, enforcing election laws, or protecting consumer rights—are carried out in a relatively impartial way, even when presidential or congressional leadership changes.
In short: They’re called "independent" because Congress designed them to operate with some insulation from presidential and partisan control, ensuring continuity, expertise, and fairness in certain government functions.
