Who has the authority to abolish federal agencies?

Congress holds the authority to abolish federal agencies. This power stems from the legislative branch's role in creating laws and defining the structure of the federal government, which includes the establishment and dissolution of federal agencies. The Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate areas under federal jurisdiction and to oversee federal spending, which extends to agency operations. Therefore, if Congress decides to eliminate an agency, it can do so through the legislative process by passing a bill to that effect, subject to the President's approval or a congressional override of a presidential veto.

The President, while having significant influence over federal agencies, particularly through the appointment of agency heads and executive orders, does not have the unilateral power to abolish them without congressional action. The Supreme Court does not have the authority to create or dissolve agencies; its role is to interpret laws and adjudicate disputes regarding their application. Lastly, state legislatures do not have jurisdiction over federal agencies, as they operate at the national level, and state law does not extend to the creation or dissolution of federal governmental structures.