Final answer:
Administrative agencies conducting searches or investigations act like the executive branch of the government, issuing rules and regulations to enforce laws and manage vital society functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an administrative agency conducts a search or investigation, it performs functions that are characteristic of the executive branch of the government. Administrative agencies, like independent executive agencies and regulatory agencies, issue rules or regulations implementing legislation, which essentially explain or enforce a statute. This authority comes through the executive branch of government, which is headed by the President as the Chief Executive.
The executive branch has the responsibility for administering and enforcing laws, overseeing independent agencies such as the CIA, NASA, and EPA. These agencies, which report directly to the president, are tasked with various functions that involve managing services, safety, and regulations vital to society. Therefore, when administrative agencies are conducting searches or investigations, they mirror the roles typically associated with the executive branch.