Final answer:
Independent regulatory agencies like the SEC and EPA are crucial for enforcing regulations. Their autonomy helps them take timely and effective action, although they are still subject to oversight from Congress and judicial review.
Step-by-step explanation:
Independent regulatory agencies have a significant role in the U.S. government structure. These agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), emerged to regulate various aspects of the economy and the environment.
While these agencies do have a good deal of autonomy, they are not free from oversight. Congress holds the power to control funding and validate presidential appointments, exerting considerable influence over these agencies. Nonetheless, independent regulatory agencies are not simply accountable to the president; various mechanisms of oversight exist, including judicial review and congressional hearings.
One true statement about these agencies is that their autonomy enables more timely and effective action. This independence from direct political influence allows these agencies to develop specialized expertise and make decisions based on technical knowledge rather than partisan politics.