independent agency
4
5.0
- noun
- /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt ˈeɪdʒənsi/
- Formal
:
agencia independiente
- The NEA was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government.
Examples
-
Finally, it should be noted that the EPA is not an independent agency.
Blog text (18) -
There are two types of administrative agencies: cabinet agencies and independent agencies.
Academic text (2017) -
The Commission is an independent agency established by Congress.
Academic text (2004) -
But the Fed is an independent agency.
Academic text (1997) -
But there is no independent agency at the local level to supervise their work or act as a check on venal activities.
Academic text (2000) -
Progress should be tracked by independent agencies, as governments and multilateral organizations might have conflicts of interest.
Academic text (2016) -
But independent agencies are structured as they are precisely, or in order, to insulate them from political oversight.
Academic text (2016) -
One of the most debated issues during his first two years in office was the creation of an independent agency to supervise environmental regulation compliance.
Academic text (2016) -
Before the EPA became an independent agency in 1987, very few industrial wastes were treated prior to their final disposal.
Academic text (1994) -
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency that regulates interstate communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
How Departmental
6
2.5
19
4.1
- Formal
4
5.0
- UK
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally built from 'independent' (not governed by others) + 'agency' (an organization), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to an agency that operates independently. While specific legal nuances (e.g., established by Congress, relation to executive departments) are specialist, the core meaning is directly derivable and cross-linguistically transparent.
Etymology
Independent agency comes from the simple idea of an agency (a government office) that is independent — set apart so it can act 'on its own' and not be controlled by other parts of government. That's why it means a government organization set up to work separately from the usual departments.