Introduction and Sources of Authority for Administrative Law

This exercise begins with some general background questions to help students place administrative agencies within the greater Constitutional scheme. These questions also address the various powers agencies wield, and the ways they are created. Then the exercise examines sources that offer specific details on individual agencies; it goes on to briefly discuss procedural rules, policy statements, and the process of promulgating regulations. The exercise includes review questions.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Explain how administrative rules fit within the US legal system.
2. Identify where executive agencies get their authority to make rules.
3. Explain the value of agency websites.
4. Predict whether an agency document (rule or guidance document) is likely to be published in the Code of Federal Regulations.