Administrative law facts for kids
Administrative law is a special type of law that deals with the rules and decisions made by government groups. These groups are often called administrative agencies. They can be found at the city, county, state, or national level. You might know them as commissions, departments, divisions, or boards.
Think of it this way: when a government passes a big law, it often can't cover every tiny detail. That's where administrative agencies come in. They create their own specific rules and guidelines, called regulations, to help carry out those bigger laws. These agencies also have the power to make sure people follow these rules.
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What Are Administrative Agencies?
Administrative agencies are like specialized teams within the government. Their main job is to put laws into action. For example, if a law is passed to protect the environment, an environmental agency will create detailed rules about what companies can and cannot do to prevent pollution.
These agencies often have experts in their field. They understand the complex topics they deal with, whether it's public health, transportation, or financial rules. They make sure that the laws passed by lawmakers are actually followed and work well in real life.
How Administrative Law Works
Administrative law helps make sure that government agencies act fairly and follow proper steps when they create rules or make decisions. It's like a rulebook for the rule-makers!
Here's how it generally works:
- Lawmakers Pass Laws: First, a group like a country's parliament or a state legislature passes a main law. These laws are often broad.
- Agencies Create Rules: Then, an administrative agency steps in. It creates more detailed rules, called regulations, to explain how the main law will be put into practice.
- Public Input: Often, before a new rule becomes final, the agency will ask for opinions from the public. This allows people and businesses to share their thoughts.
- Enforcement: Once rules are set, the agency makes sure they are followed. They might issue permits, conduct inspections, or even hold hearings if there's a disagreement.
Administrative Law in the United States
In the United States, the Congress or state legislatures pass laws. Sometimes these laws are about very complex topics. Instead of writing every tiny detail into the law, they often give administrative agencies the job of figuring out the specifics.
A great example is the Social Security Administration (SSA). This agency was created in 1935. Congress gave the SSA the power to manage Social Security benefits and disability laws. The SSA has since created many rules and regulations. These rules explain exactly how people can get benefits and how those benefits are handled. This makes sure the system works smoothly for millions of people.
Administrative Law in the European Union
The European Union (EU) is a group of countries in Europe that work together. Just like in the United States, the EU also has many agencies that help carry out its rules. These rules might be about important agreements between countries, called treaties, or about things like trade policies.
The way these agencies are set up can change depending on the specific policy they are dealing with. They are designed to help manage the many different agreements and policies that keep the European Union running. This ensures that decisions made at the EU level are put into practice across all member countries.
Images for kids
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The Stenbockska Palace is the former seat of the Supreme Administrative Court of Sweden. This court helps make sure administrative agencies follow the law.
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American administrative law often involves the regulatory activities of so-called "independent agencies", such as the Federal Trade Commission. This agency works to protect consumers and promote competition.
See also
In Spanish: Derecho administrativo para niños
