A prominent way the new progressives are able to circumvent the constraints put on them by the US Constitution is to appoint administrators. Often known as Czars, they have great (and unconstitutional) power to guide agencies and control regulations. They are appointed by the President, not needing to be confirmed by the elected congress and only answer to the President.

We have 18 of them.

Executive pay: Kenneth Feinberg

Regulatory czar: Cass Sunstein

Health-care reform: Nancy-Ann DeParle

Efficiency: Jeffrey Zients

Southwest border czar: Alan Bersin

Energy: Carol Browner

Urban affairs: Adolfo Carrion

Economics: Paul Volcker AND/OR??? Lawrence Summers

Government performance: Unfilled

Drug: Gil Kerlikowske

Car czar: Steve Rattner

Bank bailout: Herb Allison

Iran: Dennis Ross

Mideast: George Mitchell

Afghanistan/Pakistan: Richard Holbrooke

Cyber security: To be named.

Distressed auto communities: Ed Montgomery

Climate change: Todd Stern