[1 Point] (Question 1): Identify which of the following is a key independent agency.
(Answer 1[A]: The Federal Reserve).
(Answer 2[B]: The Internal Revenue Service).
(Answer 3[C]: Centers for Disease Control).
(Answer 4[D]: The Department of the Interior).
Answer 1[A]: The Federal Reserve is a key independent agency.
Step 1: To identify which of the options is a key independent agency, we need to understand what an independent agency is. Independent agencies are federal agencies that exist outside of the executive branch and are not under the direct control of the President. They have separate functions and are established to carry out specific tasks or roles.
Step 2: Analyzing the given options:
Answer 1: The Federal Reserve - This is a correct answer. The Federal Reserve is an independent agency responsible for managing the monetary policy of the United States.
Answer 2: The Internal Revenue Service - This is not an independent agency. The IRS is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury and operates under its authority.
Answer 3: Centers for Disease Control - This is not an independent agency. Although it is a prominent agency involved in public health, it is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Answer 4: The Department of the Interior - This is not an independent agency. It is a cabinet-level department within the executive branch of the federal government.
Step 3: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is Answer 1 [A]: The Federal Reserve.
To identify which of the options is a key independent agency, we can look at the characteristics of independent agencies. Independent agencies are federal agencies that operate outside of the executive branch's direct control and are created by Congress to address specific policy issues. They have a certain level of autonomy and are not directly controlled by the President.
Option A: The Federal Reserve is indeed a key independent agency. It is responsible for implementing monetary policy and regulating the U.S. banking system.
Option B: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is not an independent agency. It is actually a part of the Department of the Treasury, which makes it a component of the executive branch.
Option C: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is not an independent agency. It is part of the Department of Health and Human Services and therefore falls under the executive branch.
Option D: The Department of the Interior is not an independent agency either. It is a cabinet-level department of the executive branch that manages and conserves the nation's natural resources.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option A: The Federal Reserve.