You have studied the main functions of the three branches of government, but did you know that there are millions of other people working for the U.S. government as well? In fact, the federal government is the nation's largest employer--with over four hundred agencies and departments to staff. And like any large business, the federal government requires many different types of professions and skills to get its work done.
What do all these agencies do? And how does the government determine when an agency should be established? The needs of the nation and its citizens play a huge role in those decisions--theoretically, all agencies are designed to solve a particular problem or to improve upon an area of society. It's likely that you enjoy the benefits provided by many government agencies and don't even realize it.
In this lesson, you will consider a lesser known aspect of our government--its agencies, including how they were created, how they operate, who works for them, and their role in American life. Watch the video below for an introduction.
Have you ever mailed a letter, traveled on interstate highways, or visited a national park? Have you been vaccinated for an infectious disease? Kept safe from war or toxic chemicals? If so, you have seen American tax dollars at work.
The U.S. Military, the national park system, the Environmental Protection Agency, school lunch programs, drug warnings, and the near-eradication of disease through vaccines are all examples of how government agencies work to provide us with a better society.
What do these programs and agencies actually do to improve the lives of Americans? In many cases, they gather information, and they share it or act on it in ways that contribute to the greater good. That means copious amounts of research and many hours of careful record keeping.
Who keeps track of things going on in all these agencies? It is a large task for sure, but, as you will learn, there are various rules in place that are designed to keep the United States government running smoothly. All government agencies have regulations that determine what they do, when they do it, and how the results are communicated to the American public.
Question
What is the general purpose of government agencies?
