The 15 Executive Departments (The Cabinet)
- Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Oversees farming, food safety, and forestry.
- Department of Commerce (DOC) – Focuses on economic growth, trade, and oceans (includes NOAA).
- Department of Defense (DOD) – Manages the military and national security.
- Department of Education (ED) – Administers federal student aid and educational policies.
- Department of Energy (DOE) – Oversees national energy policy and nuclear safety.
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Protects public health (includes the CDC and FDA).
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Handles border security, emergency response, and anti-terrorism (includes FEMA).
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Addresses housing needs and community development.
- Department of the Interior (DOI) – Manages public lands, national parks, and natural resources.
- Department of Justice (DOJ) – Enforces federal laws and administers justice.
- Department of Labor (DOL) – Workplace safety, wage standards, and unemployment stats.
- Department of State (DOS) – Handles foreign policy, international relations, and passports.
- Department of Transportation (DOT) – Oversees highways, air travel, and transit infrastructure.
- Department of the Treasury – Manages federal finances, taxes (IRS), and currency production.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Provides healthcare and benefits to military veterans.
Major Independent Agencies & Government Corporations
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) – Gathers foreign intelligence.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Enforces environmental protection laws.
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Regulates interstate and global communications.
- Federal Reserve System – The central banking system of the U.S..
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Protects consumers and prevents anti-competitive business practices.
- General Services Administration (GSA) – Manages the federal government’s real estate, procurement, and technology.
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – Drives civilian space program and aerospace research.
- Social Security Administration (SSA) – Administers social insurance and retirement benefits.
- United States Postal Service (USPS) – Provides nation-wide mail delivery service.
Prominent Sub-Agencies
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (Under DOJ)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Under HHS)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Under HHS)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (Under DHS)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (Under Treasury)
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) (Under DHS)