Question

Before an agency can begin rulemaking proceedings it must be given jurisdiction:

a. by voters in the districts affected by the agency's actions.
b. by congressional enactment in the form of a statute.
c. by the united states supreme court.
d. by an executive order of the president of the united states.

Answer 1

An agency must be given jurisdiction by congressional enactment in the form of a statute before it can begin rulemaking proceedings, as they operate under the Executive branch and are subject to oversight by Congress, the President, and the citizens. The correct option is option (b).

Step-by-step explanation:

Before an agency can begin rulemaking proceedings, it must be given jurisdiction by congressional enactment in the form of a statute. This is because administrative agencies issue rules or regulations to implement legislation, which governs an agency's function and explains how to enforce a statute. The authority of these agencies comes through the Executive branch, stemming ultimately from congressional action.

Congressional oversight, along with presidential oversight and citizen participation through voting and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), ensures that bureaucracies operate within the confines of the law and public interest.