The Courts Strike Blow Against the Administrative State

One of the progressive era’s "innovations" was the creation of “independent federal agencies.” These agencies are not only authorized to enforce certain federal laws and regulations—they also have the power to adjudicate alleged violations of the laws or regulations in administrative courts. These agencies combine legislative, enforcement, and judicial functions making a mockery of the separation of powers which the drafters of the Constitution saw as central to the preservation of liberty. In addition, these agencies have limited accountability to the executive or legislative branches of government.