Humphrey's Executor v. United States (1935) involved President Franklin Roosevelt's attempt to remove an FTC commissioner who disagreed with his policies. The Supreme Court ruled that Congress could create independent agencies whose leaders could only be removed for cause, not at the President's pleasure. This decision established the constitutional basis for independent agencies and limited presidential control over the administrative state.
This case is the foundation of agency independence, affecting everything from Federal Reserve monetary policy to FTC antitrust enforcement. It shapes the balance between presidential power and agency expertise.
People think this case makes agencies completely independent, but Congress still controls their funding and can change their authority through new legislation.
This case is the foundation of agency independence, affecting everything from Federal Reserve monetary policy to FTC antitrust enforcement. It shapes the balance between presidential power and agency expertise.
People think this case makes agencies completely independent, but Congress still controls their funding and can change their authority through new legislation.