The Structure of the United States Government
Governmental Departments and Agencies
There are several small government agencies tasked with oversight and improvement in specific areas. Some examples are the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Bureau of Land Management.
There are 15 executive departments led by secretaries appointed by the president and approved by the Senate. Each has a responsibility for overseeing how an aspect of the country functions.
| Executive Department | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture | Provides direction of food, agriculture, farming, and natural resources |
| Department of Commerce | Works with businesses and workers on job creation, economic growth, development, and improving standards of living |
| Department of | Defense Provides military forces needed to deter war and protect the safety of the United States |
| Department of Education | Ensures equal access to education for all citizens |
| Department of Energy | Manages the countryās nuclear infrastructure, energy policies, and scientific research |
| Department of Health and Human Services | Protects the health of Americans by providing education and services |
| Department of Homeland Security | Protects the security of the United States, including borders, customs, and immigration, disasters, antiterrorism, and cybersecurity |
| Department of Housing and Urban Development | Maintains programs that provide housing and community development, works to ensure fair and equal housing opportunities for all citizens |
| Department of the Interior | Manages public lands and upholds the nationās responsibilities to Native Americans and Native Alaskans, also responsible for environmental conservation |
| Department of Justice | Enforces federal laws, oversees punishment for the guilty, ensures impartial administration of justice |
| Department of Labor | Makes federal labor laws to ensure workersā rights |
| Department of State | Advises the president and takes care of foreign policy issues, negotiates with foreign entities, represents the United States at the United Nations |
| Department of the Treasury | Manages federal finances by collecting taxes, paying bills, managing currency, enforces finance and tax laws |
| Department of Transportation | Plans and coordinates federal transportation, sets safety regulations for modes of transportation |
| Department of Veterans Affairs | Runs programs that benefit veterans and their families |
G
Subscribe to the online course to gain access to the full lesson content.
If your not ready for a subscription yet, be sure to check out our free practice tests and sample lesson at this link