Government articles
What does the Department of the Treasury (TREAS) do?
The Department of the Treasury (Department of Treasury, TREAS) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for overseeing economic conditions and ensuring the financial security of the United States. The department's functions include advising the president on economic matters, managing federal finances, collecting taxes through the Internal Revenue Service, producing currency, and supervising national banks. It was established in 1789 and is the second-oldest department in the federal government.
What does the Department of the Interior (DOI) do?
The Department of the Interior (Interior, DOI) is an executive branch agency responsible for managing federal lands, natural resources, and cultural heritage. Its functions include overseeing national parks and other protected lands, regulating natural resource extraction, upholding tribal relations and trust responsibilities, and preserving the environment. It was established in 1849.
What does the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) do?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for providing healthcare services, benefits programs, and access to national cemeteries for the nation's veterans and their dependents. It was established as the Veterans Administration in 1930 and elevated to cabinet status in 1989.
What does the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) do?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is an independent executive branch agency tasked with enforcing workplace discrimination laws. Its functions include investigating charges of discrimination against employers, providing guidance and oversight on equal employment practices, and conducting outreach and education programs. Most companies with 15 or more employees are under EEOC jurisdiction. The agency was established by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
What does the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) do?
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is an independent executive branch agency responsible for managing the civil service of the federal government. Its functions include coordinating the recruitment of new government employees, managing health insurance and retirement benefits programs, and providing resources for job seekers. Established in 1979, it serves as the chief human resources agency and personnel policy manager for the federal government.
What does the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) do?
The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an independent federal agency responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the civil service system and protecting the rights of federal employees. It hears appeals on personnel actions such as removals, suspensions, and demotions, ensuring those decisions are based on merit and free from prohibited practices. It also conducts studies to evaluate the effectiveness of federal merit systems. It was established in 1979.
What does the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) do?
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent executive branch responsible for regulating the use of radioactive materials for civilian purposes and ensuring public and environmental health and safety. It oversees the operation and waste management of nuclear power plants and other nuclear material uses (including medical and academic). It was established in 1974.
What does the State Department (DOS) do?
The Department of State (State Department, DOS) is an executive branch agency responsible for conducting US foreign policy and diplomatic relations. Its functions include negotiating treaties, representing the US in international organizations, issuing passports and visas, coordinating refugee and humanitarian assistance, and overseeing foreign aid and embassy operations. It was established in 1789.
What does the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) do?
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is an independent public corporation responsible for providing electricity for business customers and local power companies, as well as managing natural resources in the Tennessee Valley region. The agency's functions include environmental stewardship, economic development, and being an energy provider. It was established in 1933.
What does the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Export-Import Bank of the United States) do?
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is an independent federal agency responsible for supporting the creation and maintenance of US jobs by financing the export of American goods and services to international markets. The agency provides loans, guarantees, and insurance to help US businesses compete globally and mitigate the risks associated with international trade. It was established in 1934 by an executive order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt to aid US companies during the Great Depression.
What does USAID do?
USAID (US Agency for International Development) is an independent executive branch agency responsible for administering foreign aid and economic development assistance outside the US. Its functions include supporting economic growth, global health, and education; providing humanitarian aid in response to crises; and advancing US foreign policy goals through partnerships. It was established in 1961 as part of the Foreign Assistance Act.
What does the Department of Agriculture (USDA) do?
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for developing and executing federal policies on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues. Its functions include supporting farmers and ranchers, ensuring food safety, promoting agricultural trade, conserving natural resources and the environment, and addressing hunger both domestically and internationally. It was established in 1862.
What does the Department of Labor (DOL) do?
The Department of Labor (DOL) is an executive branch agency responsible for overseeing the American labor force and working conditions. Its functions include enforcing wage and hour standards and union law, regulating workplace safety, administering unemployment benefits and workers’ compensation, collecting labor market data, and promoting workforce development. It was established in 1913.
What does the Federal Election Commission (FEC) do?
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is an independent federal agency responsible for enforcing campaign finance laws in US federal elections. Its work includes overseeing the public disclosure of campaign finance data, enforcing contribution limits, and managing public funding for presidential campaigns. It was established in 1975.
What does the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) do?
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is an independent agency responsible for overseeing and directing the implementation of the National Intelligence Program. The ODNI's primary mission is to lead and support the integration of the intelligence community to protect the interests of the United States. It was established in 2004.
What does the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) do?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for protecting the United States against potential threats. Its primary functions include anti-terrorism efforts, border security, immigration and customs enforcement, cybersecurity, and disaster prevention and management. It was established in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and began operations in 2003.
What does the Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) do?
The US Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) is an independent, bipartisan federal agency responsible for informing national civil rights policy and monitoring enforcement of federal civil rights laws. It investigates voting rights complaints and studies issues related to discrimination and unequal treatment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin. It also collects and shares information on civil rights issues to support public understanding and policy development. It was established in 1957.
What does the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) do?
The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) is an independent federal agency responsible for managing labor relations between federal agencies and their employees (excluding the Postal Service). It resolves disputes between agencies and unions, enforces labor laws, and offers training and guidance on labor-management relations. It was established in 1978.
What does the National Science Foundation (NSF) do?
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent executive branch agency responsible for supporting science and engineering nationwide for the purpose of scientific progress, advancement of national health and welfare, and national security. The agency fulfills this objective primarily through making grants, funding approximately 25% of all federally supported research conducted by US colleges and universities. It was established in 1950.
What does the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) do?
The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) is an independent agency within the executive branch responsible for providing independent analysis, advice, and recommendations to the president and the Secretary of Energy regarding public health and safety issues at Department of Energy defense nuclear facilities. It was established in 1988.
What does the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) do?
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is an executive branch agency responsible for national housing policy and community development. Its functions include providing affordable housing assistance, enforcing fair housing laws, supporting homeownership programs, and administering grants for urban development and disaster recovery. It was established in 1965.
What does the Surface Transportation Board (STB) do?
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is an independent federal agency responsible for the economic regulation of primarily freight rail. The Board's functions include overseeing railroad issues and rail resctructuring deals. It was established in 1996.
What does the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) do?
The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is an independent federal agency responsible for investigating industrial chemical accidents. The board's primary mission is to determine the root causes of chemical incidents and provide recommendations to prevent future occurrences. The CSB advocates for the implementation of safety measures to protect workers, the public, and the environment. It was established in 1998.
What does the Department of Defense (DOD) do?
The Department of Defense (DOD) is cabinet-level executive branch agency tasked with maintaining and overseeing the military forces of the United States. Its primary functions include overseeing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force; creating military policies; and managing the defense budget. It was established in 1947.
What does the Selective Service System (SSS) do?
The Selective Service System (SSS) is an independent federal agency responsible for maintaining information on individuals who could be called to military service in the event of a national emergency. It ensures the federal government has a fair and efficient process in place for conducting a draft if needed. It was established in 1940.
What does the African Development Foundation (USADF) do?
The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is an independent agency responsible for investing directly in African grassroots enterprises and social entrepreneurs. The foundation's primary mission is to increase incomes, revenues, and jobs by promoting self-reliance and market-based solutions to poverty. USADF targets marginalized populations and underserved communities in the United States, as well as in Africa. It partners with African governments, other US government agencies, private corporations, and foundations. It was established in 1980.
What does the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) do?
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is an independent federal agency responsible for regulating, chartering, and supervising federal credit unions across the United States. Its primary mission is to ensure the safety and soundness of credit unions and protect the interests of their members. The NCUA administers the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), which insures deposits at federally insured credit unions. It was established in 1970.
What does the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) do?
The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) is an independent agency within the executive branch responsible for ensuring that the federal government's efforts to prevent terrorism are balanced with the need to protect privacy and civil liberties. The board reviews and analyzes actions taken by the executive branch to protect the nation, ensuring that these actions do not infringe upon civil liberties and privacy rights. It was established in 2007.
What does NASA do?
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent executive branch agency responsible for the nation’s civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. NASA conducts scientific research to understand Earth and space, develops and tests new aerospace technologies, and conducts human space exploration missions. It operates the International Space Station in partnership with other nations and is advancing plans to return humans to the Moon and explore Mars. It was established in 1958.
What does the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) do?
The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent agency responsible for promoting equal access to justice in the United States by funding organizations that provide civil legal aid to low-income individuals. It was established in 1974.
What does the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) do?
The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is an independent federal agency responsible for protecting whistleblowers and other federal employees. The OSC prohibits retaliation on whistleblowers and enforces rules against other federal employee actions, including restricting partisan political activity by certain government employees via the Hatch Act. It was established in 1979.
What does the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) do?
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an independent federal agency responsible for protecting investors, maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitating capital formation. The SEC oversees securities exchanges, securities brokers and dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds. It enforces the statutory requirement that public companies and other regulated entities submit quarterly and annual reports, as well as other periodic disclosures. The SEC was established in 1934 following the stock market crash of 1929 to restore investor confidence in the securities markets.
What does the Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) do?
The Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is an independent agency responsible for promoting economic growth and infrastructure development abroad. The agency's functions include funding feasibility studies, technical assistance, and pilot projects that integrate US expertise into global infrastructure projects. It was established in 1992.
What does the Department of Commerce (DOC) do?
The Department of Commerce (DOC) is an executive branch agency responsible for supporting economic growth within the US. Its functions include promoting job creation, sustainable business development, and ensuring economic competitiveness. It was established in 1903.
What does the National Council on Disability (NCD) do?
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent, nonpartisan federal agency responsible for advising the president, Congress, and other federal agencies on policies and programs that affect people with disabilities. The council's functions include providing recommendations to promote the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act, collaborating with individuals with disabilities, and ensuring that disability policies are inclusive and effective. It was established in 1978.
What does the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) do?
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is an independent agency in the executive branch responsible for administering retirement, survivor, and unemployment/sickness insurance benefit programs for railroad workers. It was established in 1935.
What does the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) do?
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is an independent federal agency responsible for helping resolve disputes between employers and employees in both the public and private sectors. It provides mediation during labor negotiations, offers training to improve labor-management relationships, and supports conflict resolution in workplaces and communities. It was established in 1947.
What does the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (FMSHRC) do?
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission (FMSHRC) is an independent agency responsible for providing administrative trial and appellate review of legal disputes arising under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977, through which it was established.
What does the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) do?
The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) is an independent agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the Farm Credit System, a network of borrower-owned financial institutions that provide credit to farmers, ranchers, agricultural cooperatives, and rural utility cooperatives. The FCA ensures that these institutions operate safely and effectively by conducting regular audits to evaluate their financial health, risk management practices, and adherence to regulations. It also provides oversight for Farmer Mac, ensuring dependable sources of credit and related services for agriculture and rural America. The FCA was established in 1933.
What does the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) do?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent executive branch agency responsible for safeguarding human health and protecting the environment by ensuring that people in the US have access to clean air, land, and water. Its functions include developing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress, providing grants to support environmental programs and projects, researches environmental issues, and fostering partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and state and local governments. It was established in 1970.
What does the Social Security Administration (SSA) do?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent executive branch agency responsible for administering Social Security, a program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible people. Its functions include managing the distribution of monthly payments to beneficiaries, enrolling Medicare recipients, and overseeing the issuance of Social Security numbers and cards. It was established in 1935 as part of the Social Security Act.
What does the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) do?
The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) is an independent agency responsible for providing oversight, policy, and guidance to the executive branch regarding ethics laws and policies. The agency's functions include establishing standards of conduct for executive branch employees, offering training and support to agency ethics offices, and ensuraing that agencies comply with requirements. It was established in 1978.
What does the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (JMMFF) do?
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (JMMFF) is an independent agency responsible for improving teaching about the United States Constitution in secondary schools. The foundation administers a fellowship program that encourages graduate study of the U.S. Constitution. It was established in 1986.
What does the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) do?
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) is a national institution dedicated to the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history. The museum's primary mission is to advance and disseminate knowledge about this history, and educate citizens and leaders to confront hatred and prevent genocide. The museum was established in 1993. The Council that founded it, the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, was established by Congress in 1980.
What does the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) do?
The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) is an independent federal agency responsible for resolving disputes between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (a sub-agency of the Department of Labor) and employers over workplace safety and health citations. It serves as a neutral arbiter, providing administrative trials and appellate reviews to ensure fair outcomes under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. It was established in 1970.
What does the Department of Transportation (DOT) do?
The Department of Transportation (USDOT, DOT) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for overseeing national transportation systems and infrastructure. Its functions include developing and implementing federal transportation policies; ensuring the safety and efficiency of highways, railroads, air travel, and maritime transport; and administering funding for transportation projects including local transit systems. It was established in 1966.
What does the US Postal Service (USPS) do?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency responsible for providing postal services to the American public. Its primary mission is to deliver mail and packages to every address in the nation, ensuring equal service to all citizens. The USPS operates a vast network of post offices and employs hundreds of thousands of workers to manage mail sorting, delivery, and customer service. It was established in its current form in 1971, following the reorganization of the Post Office Department into its current form. The Post Office Department was established in 1792.
What does the Department of Education (ED) do?
The Department of Education (Education Department, ED) is a cabinet-level executive branch agency responsible for overseeing education policy and administering funding for programs and individuals. The department's functions include supporting state and local education systems, promoting educational equity for all students, and providing grants and loans to higher education institutions and students. It was established in 1980 after the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare was reorganized into separate entities.
What does the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) do?
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is an independent federal agency responsible for regulating US derivatives markets, including futures, swaps, and certain types of options. It oversees these markets to reduce financial risk, protect market participants from fraud and abuse, and help ensure fair and stable trading conditions. It was established in 1974.
What does the Department of Justice (DOJ) do?
The Department of Justice (DOJ, Justice Department) is an executive branch agency responsible for enforcing federal laws and ensuring public safety. Its functions include prosecuting criminal and civil cases, overseeing federal law enforcement agencies, managing federal prisons, upholding civil rights, and issuing justice-related grants. It was established in 1870.
What does the US Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) do?
The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) is an independent federal agency within the executive branch responsible for leading the implementation of the federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness. The agency coordinates the federal response to homelessness and creates national partnerships to address this issue. USICH is advised by a Council that includes the heads of its 20 federal member agencies. It was established in 1987.
What does the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) do?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent federal agency responsible for regulating communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across the United States. It oversees competition and innovation in the communications industry, manages the radio spectrum, and sets rules to support emerging technologies. The FCC also helps protect the nation’s communications infrastructure. It was established in 1934.
What does the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) do?
The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) is a federal agency responsible for supervising adults on parole, probation, and supervised release in the District of Columbia. The agency's primary mission is to increase public safety, prevent crime, and reduce recidivism through close collaboration with the community. It was established in 1997.
What does the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) do?
The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is an independent federal agency responsible for overseeing media networks that provide news and information in countries where press freedom is limited. It manages outlets such as Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and the Open Technology Fund. These networks deliver accurate and independent reporting to global audiences. It was established in 1994.
What does the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) do?
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is an independent agency responsible for overseeing and regulating Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. The agency's primary mission is to ensure that these entities operate in a safe and sound manner, providing a reliable source of liquidity and funding for housing finance and community investment. It was established in 2008 as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act.
What does the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) do?
The Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) is an independent federal agency established in 1964 by the Administrative Conference Act. The agency evaluates and makes recommendations to improve the administrative processes of government agencies. To do this, ACUS conducts research studies and provides recommendations to promote efficiency, participation, and fairness in the implementation of federal programs. ACUS publishes reference guides and resources, and organizes forums and roundtables to disseminate their findings and recommendations.
What does the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) do?
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) is an independent agency responsible for administering the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a retirement savings and investment plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services, including the Ready Reserve. The TSP is a tax-deferred, defined contribution plan that constitutes one of the three components of the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS). The FRTIB's mission is to administer the TSP in the interest of its participants and beneficiaries. It was established in 1986.
What does the Armed Forces Retirement Home do?
The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) is an independent federal agency responsible for providing housing, healthcare, and supportive services to retired and eligible veterans. It offers residential care, medical and dental services, and recreational activities to support the well-being and dignity of its residents. It operates two campuses—in Washington, DC, and Gulfport, Mississippi—and was established in 1991.
What does AmeriCorps (CORPS) do?
AmeriCorps (CORPS) is an independent federal agency responsible for engaging Americans in service programs that address education, public safety, the environment, and other community needs. It promotes civic responsibility and provides educational benefits to participants who commit to national service. In 2020, the Corporation for National and Community Service, or CNCS, merged with the agency to form a single organization, now known now as AmeriCorps. It was established in 1993.
What does the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) do?
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent agency created by Congress to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation's financial system. The FDIC's primary functions include insuring deposits at banks and thrift institutions, examining and supervising financial institutions for safety and soundness, and managing receiverships of failed banks. By providing deposit insurance, the FDIC protects depositors by covering the balance of their accounts up to the insurance limit, thereby promoting trust in the banking system. It was established in 1933.