independent agency
A government body designed to operate with some insulation from direct control by elected leaders, often led by a board or commission.
Definition
An independent agency is a public body structured so that it has more autonomy from day-to-day political direction than an ordinary department. Common features include a multi-member commission, fixed terms for leaders, and limits on removal. The aim is to protect technical or sensitive decisions, such as financial regulation or elections administration, from short-term pressure. How independent such a body truly is varies by country and by law. The label is descriptive rather than a single legal category. When you deal with one professionally, check its published procedures, because independence often comes with its own rules for hearings and appeals.
In a sentence
The independent agency is led by a board whose members serve fixed terms.
Critics debate how accountable an independent agency should be to elected officials.
