U.S. Government — Branch #4

The Constitution provides 3 branches; Legislative, Executive, and Judicial. Over the past century a 4th has grown — the labyrinth of agencies, often called the Administrative State. The historical underpinnings are complex, but the operation is plain. Congress passes laws establishing, or expanding, an agency and giving to it the authority to promulgate regulations. These agencies nominally report to the Executive, but operate at such a deep, detailed level that virtually no one can track their workings.

A constitutional amendment is needed: Congress may not delegate its rule-making authority.