Wikipedia states that in the United States, the Department of Education approves private agencies which can then go on to accredit universities and other schools, who then go on to bestow degrees to students.
But this is a pretty high power to give to an agency. Deciding who holds a certificate in what field defines the output of that field. How does the DoE set the standard for which accrediting agencies/companies have the power to do this? Furthermore, who accredits the DoE themself? Wouldn’t you eventually reach a point where absolute power comes from nowhere or an arbitrary source?
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> How does the DoE set the standard for which accrediting agencies/companies have the power to do this?
The Secretary of Education is responsible for approving accrediting agencies. The process can change at their discretion.
> Furthermore, who accredits the DoE themself?
Congress has that authority, but it has traditionally been loathe to legislate every detail, so it has delegated that power to the executive branch, and thus it’s the President, who has appointed somebody to the Secretary of the DoE, who has the power. Ultimately, the citizens who elected both Congress and the President who have made the choice, albeit indirectly.
> Wouldn’t you eventually reach a point where absolute power comes from nowhere or an arbitrary source?
I mean, the US is a representative democracy. Any power involves garnering the support of the citizenry via getting votes. In other words:
“Listen. Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.”
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