Do some research and discuss some of the requirements to legally classify an individual as an independent contractor. You can find useful information on www.IRS.gov website, for example.
Why would an employer be tempted to elect to classify an individual as a subcontractor instead of an employee even if they don't qualify?
What benefit would this election be to the employer? What potential consequences would there be to an employer who misclassified an individual as an independent contractor when they are legally an employee?