Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What does administrative authority comprise?

1. Only federal laws and orders

2. A collection of rules from various agencies

3. Judicial interpretations of constitutional law

4. Local law enforcement directives

The correct answer is: A collection of rules from various agencies

Administrative authority comprises a collection of rules from various agencies. This reflects the framework of administrative law, which includes regulations created by government agencies at all levels—federal, state, and local. These agencies are empowered to create rules that have the force of law, often fleshing out the details of broader statutes passed by legislatures. This collection of rules can govern a wide array of activities, including public health, environmental protection, labor relations, and more. The other choices do not fully capture the essence of administrative authority. Federal laws and orders represent a narrower set of rules, primarily focused on legislation enacted by Congress or executive orders issued by the President. Judicial interpretations of constitutional law pertain to court rulings and their subsequent interpretation, which is a different aspect of law entirely. Local law enforcement directives are specific to police regulations and procedures and do not encompass the broader spectrum of rules from various administrative agencies. Thus, the correct answer reflects the comprehensive nature of administrative authority as it exists within the larger legal framework.