What constitutes the primary means by which administrative agencies operate?

The primary means by which administrative agencies operate is through their quasi-judicial and quasi-legislative functions. These functions enable agencies to create rules and regulations (quasi-legislative) and to enforce those rules through adjudicative processes (quasi-judicial).

In the quasi-legislative role, agencies have the authority to develop detailed regulations that fill in the gaps of statutes passed by the legislature, allowing them to tailor these regulations to address specific issues effectively. This enables agencies to act quickly in a manner that is responsive to changing conditions and needs within their regulatory framework.

Simultaneously, their quasi-judicial function allows agencies to interpret and apply the regulations they create by holding hearings, making determinations, and enforcing compliance through various actions. This dual-function model is critical in ensuring that agencies can effectively govern and manage the areas they oversee, such as public health, environmental policy, and transportation.

Other choices like direct public interaction, lobbying efforts, and international agreements do not represent the foundational workings of administrative agencies. While these aspects may play supporting roles, they do not encapsulate the core operational mechanisms that define the primary functions of administrative agencies. Thus, the correct understanding of how administrative agencies function revolves around their unique blend of rule