In reality, most administrative branch workers are appointed by the elected. Governors build their own cabinets. Governors make administrative appointments my friend, and many of them. They even appoint the attorney general! Subject to Senate approval by the constitution. However, if the Senate refuses the nominee candidate the post goes unfilled, while the interim appointee does the job. Sometimes these are one and the same person, sometimes not. Mostly not. These positions are regulated by law for most cases to following the rules established by law. The conflict confusion occurs in the marginal interpretation of said rule or law. Example: Declared unlawful nature of a MI license plate displays the word “WILLY.” RE: sexual connotation a child may conclude upon reading it on public roadway. True Story. Appointed official and not MI law. This is also an example of what George Washington feared most, The combination of State Government & Child rearing issues.
If you want a war, try yelling at your neighbors about how to rear their children. War will certainly ensue.

many are elected politicians rather than independant decision makers.