G7

1a) One reason Congress leaves the specifics of federal laws to agencies is to escape blame. If they keep their words vague they are not responsible for the policies that the American public may come to despise. This politically protects congressmen's backs. A more positive reason might be that Congress relies on the expertise of federal agencies. The congressmen may not be qualified to make judgements on exact regulations that need to be implemented in order to meet the goals they outline in a piece of legislation.

1b) My first reason above is supported on page 484 of the textbook when it states, "Congress is fond of stating a broad policy goal in legislation and then leaving implementation up to the bureaucracies. Members of Congress can thus escape messy details, and place blame for the implementation decisions elsewhere."

2a) The Environmental Protection Agency regulates how human activity affects the environment in order to minimize the environmental impact. The Federal Communication Commission regulates communication through radio, television, satellites, and telephones that occurs across state lines and internationally. The Federal Reserve Board controls monetary policy.

2b) The FCC is able to regulate obscenity and vulgarity in the media it regulates by fining companies who do not comply with the standards they set. The EPA sets standards for required fuel efficiencies of vehicles. The Federal Reserve Board may reduce the federal funds rate, or interest rate, it charges in times of financial crisis in order to aid in economic recovery.

3a) Congress controls the budget and so can withdraw funds from agencies it feels are not following legislative intent. This encourages federal agencies to follow the wishes of Congress. Congress can also investigate agencies that are taking too much liberty with the law and whose employees are exercising too much discretion.