This week's reading introduces you to three types of administrative agencies: social welfare, regulatory, and public service.

• Social welfare agenciesare tasked with promoting the general welfare of the people. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is an example of this type of agency.
• Regulatory agenciesare responsible for proscribing or requiring specific behavior, determining compliance with the law, and even prosecuting those who violate the law. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an example of this type of agency.
• Public service agenciesprovide services to the public. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an example of a public service agency.

Additionally, agencies can be characterized as either executive or independent.

• Executive agenciesare extensions of the executive branch, are members of the president's cabinet, and are headed by a "secretary."
• On the other hand,independent agenciesenjoy more freedom from the president, are not members of the president's cabinet, and are headed by a group of individuals (known as a board or commission).

For this week's discussion, please complete the following:

1. Research and identify one social welfare agency, one regulatory agency, and one public service agency.
2. Describe each agency and whether it is an executive or independent agency.