Where are Independent Executive Agencies primarily located?

Independent Executive Agencies are primarily located outside the cabinet departments. These agencies operate independently from the traditional executive departments, which are the major administrative units of the federal government and are headed by Cabinet members. Independent Executive Agencies are created by Congress to address specific issues and often have a broader mandate than those within the cabinet. They are designed to be more insulated from political influence and can be better equipped to focus on their particular goals.

This distinct separation allows them to operate with a degree of autonomy, making decisions based on their legislative mandate rather than being directly influenced by the executive branch's political appointees. Examples include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which illustrate how these agencies function independently while still being part of the federal government structure.