Political Science: Federal Resources

GovInfo is free U.S. Government information for all. GovInfo is a service of the United States Government Publishing Office (GPO), which is a Federal agency in the legislative branch.
GovInfo provides free public access to official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government.

The Library of Congress is an agency of the legislative branch of government. It is the country's oldest federal cultural institution as well as the largest library in the world.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States Federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever.

Project Vote Smart is an independent organization that provides information on candidates and politics around the country. They professes a belief that access to information is one way of preserving Democracy and they receive no funding from political organizations, corporations, or PACS.

The USDA [provides] "leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management. We want to be recognized as a dynamic organization that is able to efficiently provide the integrated program delivery needed to lead a rapidly evolving food and agriculture system."

The Department of Commerce works to keep the U.S. competitive in the global marketplace, and strengthen the international economic position of the United States by facilitating global trade and opening up new markets for U.S. goods and services. Domestically, Commerce promotes progressive business policies that help America’s businesses and entrepreneurs and their communities grow and succeed.

The Department of Defense is the federal agency responsible for the military arm of the government.

"The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions."

"The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves."

Established after 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security's mission is "to secure the nation from the many threats we face."

The Department of Justice was created in 1870 to handle the legal business of the United States. It was given control over all criminal prosecutions and civil proceedings in which the United States had an interest. Additionally, the Attorney General and the Department was given direct control of federal law enforcement.

The mission of the DOL is "to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights."

The State Department is responsible for the foreign affairs of the United States. It's mission statement is "Advance freedom for the benefit of the American people and the international community by helping to build and sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world composed of well-governed states that respond to the needs of their people, reduce widespread poverty, and act responsibly within the international system."

"The Department of Transportation was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966. The Department’s first official day of operation was April 1, 1967." It's mission is to "serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future."

The Treasury Department is the executive agency responsible for a wide range of activities. This includes advising the President on economic issues, encouraging sustainable economic growth, and fostering improved governance in financial institutions. It operates and maintains the critical systems in the nation's financial infrastructure, such as the printing money, disbursing money, collecting revenues, and borrowing money.

The Department of Veterans Affairs was created to specifically serve and represent the interests of our armed forces personnel. It's mission is "To fulfill President Lincoln's promise “to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans."