Department of State
The executive department responsible for U.S. foreign policy, diplomacy, and international relations. It advises the President and represents the country in international negotiations and treaties. It also manages U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, issues passports, and provides assistance to American citizens traveling or living overseas.
Department of Treasury
Government agency responsible for managing the country's finances, including collecting taxes, printing money, and managing the national debt. It oversees economic policy, enforces financial laws, and promotes financial stability and growth.
Department of Defense
The executive branch department responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions related to national security and the United States Armed Forces."
Department of Justice
The executive department responsible for enforcing federal laws, ensuring public safety, and administering justice in the United States. It is headed by the Attorney General and consists of various agencies, including the FBI and the DEA.
Department of Homeland Security
US federal agency responsible for protecting the nation from various threats, including terrorism, cybersecurity, and natural disasters. It coordinates efforts with other agencies, enforces immigration laws, and ensures the security of transportation systems and critical infrastructure.
Department of Transportation
Federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the nation's transportation systems. It ensures the safety and efficiency of highways, railways, air travel, and maritime operations.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Responsible for providing support and benefits to veterans
Offers healthcare services, education and training opportunities, and home loan guarantees
Aims to ensure the well-being and welfare of American veterans
Administers programs such as disability compensation, pension, and burial benefits
Supports veterans in transitioning to civilian life and accessing resources for their needs
Department of Educatioin
A federal agency responsible for promoting student achievement and ensuring equal access to education. It oversees policies related to K-12 schools, higher education, and educational programs. Its main goals include improving educational outcomes, providing financial aid, and enforcing civil rights laws in educational settings.
Federal Bureau of Investigations (Agency)
U.S. federal law enforcement agency
Investigates federal crimes, protects national security
Responsible for counterterrorism, cybercrime, organized crime investigations
Works closely with other law enforcement agencies domestically and internationally
Environmental Protection Agency
The regulatory agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment in the U.S. Sets and enforces standards for air and water quality, waste management, and pollution prevention. Established in 1970 under the Nixon administration. Plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable and responsible environmental practices.
Federal Elections Commission
Independent regulatory agency in the United States
Oversees campaign finance laws for federal elections
Enforces regulations on campaign contributions and expenditures
Provides public disclosure of campaign finance information
Administers the presidential public funding program
Ensures fair and transparent election processes.
Securities and Exchange Commission
Regulatory agency established in 1934 to protect investors, maintain fair and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. It enforces federal securities laws, regulates securities markets, and oversees securities professionals and financial institutions.
AMTRACK
A government-owned corporation that operates a national railroad passenger service in the United States. It provides intercity and long-distance passenger train service across the country.
U.S. Postal Service Regulations
Governing rules for mail services in the United States
Enforced by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
Cover various aspects, such as mailing standards, rates, and delivery guidelines
Aim to ensure efficient and secure mail processing
Compliance is required for sending mail within the U.S.
Violations may result in penalties or mail refusal
Political machine
A tightly organized political group that controls the activities of a political party or government through patronage and corrupt practices.
Administrative Procedures Act (1949)
Legislation enacted in 1949 to regulate the rulemaking process of federal agencies. It establishes procedures for creating, amending, or repealing regulations, including public notice, comment, and judicial review. The APA promotes transparency, public participation, and accountability in administrative decision-making.
Code of Federal Regulations
Compilation of rules and regulations issued by federal agencies in the U.S.
Organized into 50 titles covering various sectors like agriculture, transportation, and healthcare.
Ensures consistent implementation and enforcement of laws.
Delegated discretionary authority
Power given by Congress to administrative agencies to make decisions and rules within their assigned jurisdiction.
Federal Register
The official daily publication of the US federal government that contains proposed rules, final rules, and notices from federal agencies.
Independent regulatory agencies
Independent regulatory agencies are federal agencies that have the power to regulate specific industries or sectors. They are independent from the executive branch and are created by Congress to enforce laws and regulations. Examples include the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Notice-and-comment opportunity
A process in administrative law where federal agencies must provide the public with an opportunity to comment on proposed regulations before they become final. It allows individuals and organizations to express their views, concerns, and suggestions, ensuring transparency and public participation in the rulemaking process.