Introduction
Introduction to U.S. Government Administration
Overview of U.S. Government Structure
- The Concept of Federalism
- Separation of Powers
- The Role of the Constitution
- Levels of Government: Federal, State, County, Township, Special Purpose Districts
The Importance of Government Agencies
- Providing Public Services
- Maintaining Law and Order
- Protecting the Environment and Public Health
- Economic and Social Welfare Programs
Federal
Federal Government Administration
Executive Branch
- The President
- The Vice President
- Executive Office of the President
- The Cabinet
- Independent Agencies
Legislative Branch
- U.S. Congress: Senate and House of Representatives
- Committees and Leadership in Congress
- Legislative Process
- Federal Budget and Appropriations
Judicial Branch
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Federal Courts: Circuit and District Courts
- Administrative Courts and Tribunals
Federal Agencies and Administrative Bodies
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- United States Marshals Service
Department of Defense (DoD)
- U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps
- National Security Agency (NSA)
- Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
- U.S. Cyber Command
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- U.S. Forest Service (NFS)
- Farm Service Agency (FSA)
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Air Quality
- Water Quality
- Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
- Superfund Program
Important Federal Agencies Relevant to Daily Life
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- Management of Public Lands
- Resource Conservation
- Recreation Areas
National Forest Service (NFS)
- Forest Management
- Fire Control
- Recreation Areas
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Regulation of Broadcasting
- Telecommunications Policy
- Media Licensing
U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
- Mail Services
- Postal Regulations
- E-commerce Solutions
State
State Government Administration
Executive Branch
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- State Executive Agencies
- State Regulatory Agencies
Legislative Branch
- State Legislatures: Senate and House of Representatives
- State Legislative Committees
- Lawmaking Process at the State Level
- State Budget and Appropriations
Judicial Branch
- State Supreme Courts
- State Circuit and District Courts
- Judicial Review
State Agencies and Administrative Bodies
State Departments of Health
- Public Health Services
- Disease Prevention and Control
- Medicaid Administration
State Police and Law Enforcement
- State Police Forces
- State Crime Laboratories
- Statewide Law Enforcement Collaboration
State Environmental Agencies
- State Environmental Protection
- State Natural Resource Management
- Wildlife and Conservation Agencies
State Departments of Transportation (DOT)
- Highway Maintenance
- Road Safety
- Statewide Transportation Planning
County
County Government Administration
County Executive Branch
- County Board of Commissioners
- County Executive Officer or Administrator
- Public Services at the County Level
County Legislative Branch
- County Council or Board of Supervisors
- County Ordinances and Legislation
- County Budget and Appropriations
County Judicial Branch
- County Courts
- Judicial Review and County Courts
County Agencies and Administrative Bodies
County Health Departments
- Public Health Programs
- Disease Surveillance
- Emergency Health Services
County Sheriff’s Department
- Law Enforcement and Public Safety
- County Jails
- Search and Rescue
County Department of Social Services
- Public Assistance Programs
- Child Welfare Services
- Adult Protective Services
County Public Works Department
- Road Maintenance and Infrastructure
- Flood Control
- Public Utilities
Township
Township Government Administration
Township Executive Branch
- Township Trustees or Supervisors
- Township Executive Officers
Township Legislative Branch
- Township Board of Trustees
- Township Ordinances and Zoning Laws
Township Judicial Branch
- Township Courts and Judicial Functions
Township Agencies and Administrative Bodies
Township Police and Fire Departments
- Law Enforcement and Public Safety
- Firefighting and Emergency Medical Services
Township Public Works Department
- Road Repair and Maintenance
- Water and Sewer Services
Township Parks and Recreation Department
- Local Parks Maintenance
- Recreation Programs and Services
Special Purpose Districts
Special Purpose Districts and Authorities
School Districts
- School Boards
- Educational Administration
- School Funding and Budgeting
Housing Authorities
- Public Housing Programs
- Affordable Housing Development
- Rental Assistance
Transportation Districts
- Public Transit Systems
- Regional Transportation Planning
- Public Transit Funding
Water and Sewer Districts
- Water Supply and Treatment
- Sewer Services
- Environmental Compliance
Conclusion
Conclusion: Understanding Government Agencies and Their Impact
The Role of Government in Society
- Government’s Role in Maintaining Order
- Provision of Essential Services
- Ensuring Fairness and Justice
Citizens' Engagement with Government Agencies
- How to Interact with Government Agencies
- Public Participation and Advocacy
- Ensuring Accountability and Transparency
Looking Toward the Future
- Evolving Role of Technology in Government Administration
- Government Reforms and Policy Changes
- Building Stronger, More Inclusive Institutions