U.S. federal government departments and agencies > siterank

Below is a list of 50 major U.S. federal government departments and agencies, each with a more detailed description and an official website in the format `https://...`. This should give you a comprehensive overview of their key roles and responsibilities.

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1. **Department of State (DOS)** 
  - **Description**: Oversees U.S. foreign policy and international relations, negotiates treaties, and represents the U.S. at the United Nations and other global organizations. It supports U.S. citizens abroad through embassies and consulates. 
  - **Website**: [https://www.state.gov](https://www.state.gov)

2. **Department of the Treasury** 
  - **Description**: Manages federal finances by collecting taxes, paying bills, and issuing currency and government debt. It also oversees national banks and enforces financial and tax laws. 
  - **Website**: [https://www.treasury.gov](https://www.treasury.gov)

3. **Department of Defense (DoD)** 
  - **Description**: Responsible for providing the military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of the United States. It includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. 
  - **Website**: [https://www.defense.gov](https://www.defense.gov)

4. **Department of Justice (DOJ)** 
  - **Description**: Enforces federal law, seeks just punishment for criminals, and ensures the fair and impartial administration of justice. It includes agencies like the FBI and the Bureau of Prisons. 
  - **Website**: [https://www.justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov)

5. **Department of the Interior (DOI)** 
  - **Description**: Manages federal lands, national parks, and natural resources, and upholds trust responsibilities to American Indian tribes. It works to conserve and protect wildlife, habitats, and cultural heritage sites. 
  - **Website**: [https://www.doi.gov](https://www.doi.gov)

6. **Department of Agriculture (USDA)** 
  - **Description**: Develops and executes policy on farming, agriculture, forestry, and food, ensuring a safe food supply and supporting rural communities. It provides nutrition assistance programs and conducts agricultural research. 
  - **Website**: [https://www.usda.gov](https://www.usda.gov)

7. **Department of Commerce** 
  - **Description**: Promotes economic growth, international trade, and technological advancement. It houses the U.S. Census Bureau, the Patent and Trademark Office, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 
  - **Website**: [https://www.commerce.gov](https://www.commerce.gov)

8. **Department of Labor (DOL)** 
  - **Description**: Protects and promotes the welfare of U.S. workers by ensuring safe working conditions, minimum wage, overtime pay, and unemployment insurance benefits. It also collects and analyzes labor market data. 
  - **Website**: [https://www.dol.gov](https://www.dol.gov)

9. **Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)** 
  - **Description**: Protects the health of all Americans and provides essential human services, especially for those least able to help themselves. It oversees agencies such as the CDC and the FDA. 
  - **Website**: [https://www.hhs.gov](https://www.hhs.gov)

10. **Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)** 
    - **Description**: Addresses national housing needs, fosters fair housing laws, and supports community development. It provides mortgage insurance, subsidized housing, and block grants for local community projects. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.hud.gov](https://www.hud.gov)

11. **Department of Transportation (DOT)** 
    - **Description**: Oversees national transportation systems including highways, air travel, rail, and maritime operations. It sets safety standards and invests in infrastructure projects to improve mobility. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.transportation.gov](https://www.transportation.gov)

12. **Department of Energy (DOE)** 
    - **Description**: Manages the nation’s energy policy, focuses on energy conservation, nuclear power, and alternative energy development. It also oversees the U.S. nuclear weapons program and nuclear reactor production. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.energy.gov](https://www.energy.gov)

13. **Department of Education (ED)** 
    - **Description**: Establishes federal financial aid policies, collects data on America’s schools, and enforces federal educational laws regarding privacy and civil rights. It focuses on improving student achievement and ensuring equal access to education. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.ed.gov](https://www.ed.gov)

14. **Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)** 
    - **Description**: Provides essential services to veterans, including healthcare, benefits, and memorial services. It operates a nationwide system of hospitals and clinics specifically for military veterans. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.va.gov](https://www.va.gov)

15. **Department of Homeland Security (DHS)** 
    - **Description**: Protects the U.S. from domestic and international threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and natural disasters. It oversees agencies like FEMA, TSA, ICE, and the Coast Guard. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.dhs.gov](https://www.dhs.gov)

16. **Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)** 
    - **Description**: Develops and enforces regulations aimed at protecting human health and the environment. It conducts environmental research and works to reduce pollution through programs and standards. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.epa.gov](https://www.epa.gov)

17. **National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)** 
    - **Description**: Responsible for the nation’s civilian space program, aeronautics research, and space exploration. It conducts missions to study Earth, the solar system, and beyond, advancing scientific discovery. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.nasa.gov](https://www.nasa.gov)

18. **Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)** 
    - **Description**: Gathers and analyzes national security information from around the world to advise the President and policymakers. Focuses primarily on foreign intelligence, covert operations, and counterintelligence. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.cia.gov](https://www.cia.gov)

19. **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)** 
    - **Description**: Handles federal criminal investigations, intelligence, and domestic threat assessment, including terrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime. Operates under the Department of Justice to uphold U.S. law. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.fbi.gov](https://www.fbi.gov)

20. **Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)** 
    - **Description**: Coordinates the federal government’s response to natural disasters and other major emergencies. Provides training, funds, and resources to state and local governments for disaster preparedness and recovery. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.fema.gov](https://www.fema.gov)

21. **Federal Trade Commission (FTC)** 
    - **Description**: Protects consumers by preventing anticompetitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices through law enforcement, advocacy, and education. Reviews corporate mergers and acquisitions to maintain market competition. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.ftc.gov](https://www.ftc.gov)

22. **Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)** 
    - **Description**: Regulates the U.S. securities markets, enforces federal securities laws, and protects investors. Oversees stock exchanges, brokerage firms, and investment advisors to ensure market transparency. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.sec.gov](https://www.sec.gov)

23. **Federal Communications Commission (FCC)** 
    - **Description**: Regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. Promotes competition, innovation, and investment in broadband services. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.fcc.gov](https://www.fcc.gov)

24. **National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)** 
    - **Description**: Preserves and documents government and historical records, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Provides public access to federal records and materials. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.archives.gov](https://www.archives.gov)

25. **Social Security Administration (SSA)** 
    - **Description**: Administers social security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits. Maintains records of earnings and provides financial protection for U.S. citizens. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.ssa.gov](https://www.ssa.gov)

26. **Office of Personnel Management (OPM)** 
    - **Description**: Manages the federal government’s civilian workforce, including hiring practices, benefits administration, and retirement programs. Ensures merit-based and inclusive hiring processes. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.opm.gov](https://www.opm.gov)

27. **National Science Foundation (NSF)** 
    - **Description**: Supports fundamental research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering. Funds grants and research initiatives at universities and institutions nationwide. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.nsf.gov](https://www.nsf.gov)

28. **U.S. Postal Service (USPS)** 
    - **Description**: An independent agency responsible for providing postal service in the United States. Operates one of the largest civilian vehicle fleets in the world and delivers mail and packages to every address in the nation. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.usps.com](https://www.usps.com)

29. **Small Business Administration (SBA)** 
    - **Description**: Supports entrepreneurs and small businesses through loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling, and other forms of assistance. Advocates for small businesses at the federal level. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.sba.gov](https://www.sba.gov)

30. **National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)** 
    - **Description**: Provides funding and support to artists, artistic organizations, and arts education across the nation. Aims to foster the growth of the arts and make them accessible to all Americans. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.arts.gov](https://www.arts.gov)

31. **National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)** 
    - **Description**: Supports research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. Awards grants to cultural institutions such as museums, archives, libraries, and colleges. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.neh.gov](https://www.neh.gov)

32. **Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)** 
    - **Description**: Ensures that consumers have access to fair, transparent, and competitive financial products and services. Oversees financial institutions and enforces consumer financial laws and regulations. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.consumerfinance.gov](https://www.consumerfinance.gov)

33. **Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)** 
    - **Description**: Enforces federal controlled substances laws and combats drug trafficking and distribution within the U.S. and internationally. Works closely with other agencies to target drug-related criminal organizations. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.dea.gov](https://www.dea.gov)

34. **Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)** 
    - **Description**: Investigates and prevents criminal activities involving firearms, explosives, arson, and trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products. Enforces federal laws and works with state and local agencies on public safety measures. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.atf.gov](https://www.atf.gov)

35. **Internal Revenue Service (IRS)** 
    - **Description**: The revenue service of the United States federal government, responsible for collecting taxes and administering the Internal Revenue Code. Provides assistance to taxpayers and pursues tax law enforcement. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov)

36. **U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)** 
    - **Description**: Oversees lawful immigration to the United States, including the processing of citizenship, residency, and work visa applications. Maintains policies related to immigration and naturalization. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.uscis.gov](https://www.uscis.gov)

37. **Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)** 
    - **Description**: Responsible for identifying, investigating, and dismantling vulnerabilities regarding the nation’s border, economic, transportation, and infrastructure security. Focuses on illegal immigration and cross-border criminal activity. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.ice.gov](https://www.ice.gov)

38. **Transportation Security Administration (TSA)** 
    - **Description**: Ensures the security of traveling public within the U.S., primarily by overseeing airport security and passenger screenings. Develops policies to protect transportation systems such as railways, highways, and public transit. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.tsa.gov](https://www.tsa.gov)

39. **U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)** 
    - **Description**: One of the world’s largest law enforcement organizations, responsible for securing the nation’s borders and facilitating lawful international trade and travel. Operates ports of entry and patrols borders to prevent illegal entry. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.cbp.gov](https://www.cbp.gov)

40. **Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)** 
    - **Description**: Ensures safe and healthy working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training and assistance. Part of the Department of Labor, focusing on preventing workplace injuries and fatalities. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.osha.gov](https://www.osha.gov)

41. **Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)** 
    - **Description**: Protects public health through disease research, tracking, and prevention programs. Provides guidelines on health and safety, managing outbreaks such as influenza and other contagious diseases. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov)

42. **National Institutes of Health (NIH)** 
    - **Description**: The primary federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research. Funds large-scale research initiatives and operates numerous institutes focusing on specific health areas. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.nih.gov](https://www.nih.gov)

43. **Food and Drug Administration (FDA)** 
    - **Description**: Responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of drugs, biological products, medical devices, food supply, cosmetics, and more. Evaluates new drug applications and monitors product manufacturing. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.fda.gov](https://www.fda.gov)

44. **U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)** 
    - **Description**: Conserves, protects, and enhances fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. Manages the National Wildlife Refuge System and enforces federal wildlife laws. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.fws.gov](https://www.fws.gov)

45. **Bureau of Land Management (BLM)** 
    - **Description**: Oversees more than 245 million acres of public lands, primarily in 12 western states. Maintains responsible resource development, recreation opportunities, and conservation efforts. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.blm.gov](https://www.blm.gov)

46. **U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)** 
    - **Description**: Studies and provides information on the nation’s landscapes, natural resources, and natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods. Its research helps inform policy decisions related to land, water, and biodiversity. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.usgs.gov](https://www.usgs.gov)

47. **National Park Service (NPS)** 
    - **Description**: Manages all U.S. national parks, monuments, and other historical properties. Protects the natural and cultural resources while promoting public enjoyment and education. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.nps.gov](https://www.nps.gov)

48. **Government Accountability Office (GAO)** 
    - **Description**: An independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress to investigate how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars. Conducts audits, evaluations, and provides reports recommending improvements. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.gao.gov](https://www.gao.gov)

49. **Congressional Budget Office (CBO)** 
    - **Description**: Provides nonpartisan analyses for the U.S. Congress, assessing economic and budgetary issues to support the legislative budgeting process. Forecasts the potential financial impacts of proposed legislation. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.cbo.gov](https://www.cbo.gov)

50. **Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)** 
    - **Description**: Works to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from consumer products. Enforces product safety standards, conducts research, and issues product recalls. 
    - **Website**: [https://www.cpsc.gov](https://www.cpsc.gov)

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These departments and agencies cover a wide range of functions, from national defense and international diplomacy to environmental protection and scientific research. Each plays a vital role in administering federal laws and services in the United States.

[This post was moved from 2025-01-23 07:28:28 cybersecurity by AndyKim]