PoliSci Big Government Study Guide

Department of State

Handles relationships with other countries and represents the US in foreign affairs and diplomacy

Department of the Treasury

Manages the country’s money, collects taxes, and helps keep the economy stable

Department of Defense

Oversees the military and protects the country from outside threats

Department of Justice

Enforces federal laws and makes sure justice is carried out in the legal system

Department of the Interior

Manages national parks, public lands, and natural resources

Department of Agriculture

Supports farmers, oversees food safety, and helps manage food programs

Department of Commerce

Promotes business growth, trade, and economic development

Department of Labor

Protects workers, improves working conditions, and handles labor laws

Department of Housing and Urban Development

Works to provide affordable housing and improve communities

Department of Transportation

Oversees transportation systems like highways, railroads, and aviation

Department of Energy

Manages energy resources, nuclear safety, and energy research

Department of Education

Supports schools, student loans, and education policies

Department of Health and Human Services

Protects public health and manages programs like Medicare and disease prevention

Department of Veteran Affairs

Provides healthcare and benefits for military veterans

Department of Homeland Security

Protects the US from terrorism, manages border security, and responds to disasters

NTSB

Investigates major transportation accidents and studies how to prevent them in the future

FEMA

Helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters by providing funding, supplies, and temporary housing

FDIC

Protects money people deposit in banks by insuring it up to $250,000

FBI

Investigates major federal crimes and helps law enforcement with evidence like fingerprints and DNA

ICC

Regulated transportation companies that moved goods across the US and made sure shipping prices were fair

FEC

Enforces federal election laws and oversees campaign finance in US elections

FDA

Protects public health by regulating food, medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics

SEC

Regulates the stock market to protect investors and prevent fraud like insider training

FCC

Regulates TV, radio, cable, and other communication systems in the US

EPA

Protects the environment and public health by regulating pollution and researching environmental issues

EEOC

Enforces laws that prevent discrimination in the workplace

OSHA

Makes sure workplaces are safe and healthy for workers

CPSC

Protects consumers by making sure products sold in the US are safe

FAA

Regulates aviation and manages air traffic to keep air travel safe

CDC

Works to prevent and control diseases and protect public health