Information Resource Center
Government
What makes the U.S. Government uniquely American is our Constitution, the separation of powers, the concept of "checks and balances", the decentralized roles of state and local governments, and the role of the citizen.
The Constitution is the central instrument of American government, and it is the supreme law of the land. For over 200 years, it has guided the evolution of government institutions and provided a basis for political stability, individual freedom, economic growth, and social progress.
There are three branches of government, each with separate powers. The Executive branch (the federal government) is headed by the President. The bi-cameral Legislative branch makes the laws. The Judicial branch encompasses the court system and interprets the Constitution, determining whether those laws are in line with what the Constitution allows. Each of these branches has specific responsibilities stated in the Constitution. Through a series of "checks and balances" outlined in the Constitution, each branch acts as a guardian of the public trust by checking the power and authority of the other branches. For example, the Supreme Court interprets the Constitution. But, before becoming members of the Court, the justices must be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Legislature's higher body, the Senate.
Finally, the power to govern comes directly from the people. American citizens have both rights and responsibilities. Key rights are listed in what is known as "The Bill of Rights", the first ten amendments to the Constitution. A citizen's responsibilities include obeying laws, paying taxes, exercising the right to vote, and being involved in the political process and public service in some form.
For more information on the powers of the government's branches, our Constitution, and The Bill of Rights, click here.
Agencies, Administrations, Bureaus
- Agency for International Development (USAID), http://www.info.usaid.gov
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), http://www.odci.gov
- Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov
- Export-Import Bank, http://www.exim.gov
- Federal Bureau of Investigation, http://www.fbi.gov
- Federal Election Commission, http://www.fec.gov
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, http://www.nasa.gov
- National Science Foundation, http://www.nsf.gov
- Securities and Exchange Commission, http://www.sec.gov
- Smithsonian Institution, http://www.si.edu
- U.S. Census Bureau, http://www.census.gov
Congress
- House of Representatives, http://www.house.gov
- Library of Congress, http://www.loc.gov
- Members of the House of Representatives and The Senate, http://bioguide.congress.gov
- Senate, http://www.senate.gov
- THOMAS, Legislative and related information from the U.S. Congress, http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas2.html
Departments
- Commerce, http://www.doc.gov
- Defense, http://www.defenselink.mil
- Education, http://www.ed.gov
- Homeland Security, http://www.dhs.gov
- Justice, http://www.usdoj.gov
- State, http://www.state.gov
- Treasury, http://www.ustreas.gov
Miscellaneous
- Federal Statistics, http://www.fedstats.gov
- Information USA, http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa
- International Information Programs, http://usinfo.state.gov
- U.S. Missions Online, http://usembassy.state.gov/ , for information about U.S. Diplomatic Missions abroad.
White House
General Information, http://www.whitehouse.gov
Bush Administration in Transition