Question

Administrative agencies have been called the fourth branch of government.  How big a role do they play in the federal government today compared to when the Constitution was drafted?  If there has been a change in their role, describe that change and the reasons for it.  Should the role of administrative agencies be changed

Answer 1

Administrative agencies are called the fourth branch of the government in the US as it works together with the other three branches, those are, executive , legislative and the judiciary. The administrative agencies have been mentioned in the US Constitution. Basically the fourth branch of the US government i.e., Administrative agencies includes the media , the people , various other interest groups etc.

The fourth branch of the federal government i.e., the administrative agencies do play a big role comparatively as it empowers the citizens of the US, it keeps a check on the other three branches of the government and is thus influenced by them. It plays an Independent role in the federal government and is free to express it's opinions , citizen's opinions via press and media. So the fourth branch is usually the press and thus it is not directly the part of the government but is influenced by the other three branches of the government. Therefore, though it may not come directly under the other branches but it ensures the smooth functioning of the government. Earlier when the constitution was drafted, many critics said that it can't be a part of the government and that it shall not be included. But over these years, the importance of the press (the fourth branch) has become crucial and thus has made it's place as a fourth branch of the federal government.

As far as the role of the fourth branch of the federal government is concerned, it should only be empowered as it somehow acts as the voice of the people and ensures the smooth functioning of the other 3 branches. So in a way it is directly linked to the public and various other Interest groups.