Federal Agencies
Explore the full landscape of U.S. federal agencies, departments, regulatory commissions, and independent bodies that carry out the work of the federal government.
The Machinery of Government
The United States federal government operates through hundreds of departments, agencies, commissions, and independent bodies. Each is created by Congress or executive authority to carry out specific functions — from national defense and public health to financial regulation and space exploration.
Cabinet-level departments are the largest and most prominent, led by Secretaries who serve in the President's Cabinet. Independent agencies operate outside direct Cabinet control, providing regulatory oversight and specialized services free from political pressure.
Together these agencies employ nearly 3 million civilian workers and administer a budget exceeding $6.8 trillion, touching virtually every aspect of American life.
440+
Federal Agencies
Departments, commissions & bodies
2.9M
Federal Employees
Civilian workforce
$6.8T
Annual Budget
FY 2024 appropriations
15
Cabinet Departments
Principal executive departments
Browse All Agencies
CABINET POST
Department of State
Est. 1789
Manages U.S. foreign policy, diplomacy, and international relations. Oversees embassies and consulates worldwide.
Department of the Treasury
Est. 1789
Manages federal finances, produces currency, collects taxes, and enforces financial laws.
Department of Defense
Est. 1947
Oversees the U.S. Armed Forces and coordinates national security and military operations.
Department of Justice
Est. 1870
Enforces federal law, administers justice, and represents the U.S. government in legal matters.
Department of the Interior
Est. 1849
Manages natural resources, national parks, and relations with Native American tribes.
Department of Agriculture
Est. 1862
Supports farming, food safety, rural development, and nutrition programs including SNAP.
Department of Commerce
Est. 1903
Promotes economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development through data and trade policy.
Department of Labor
Est. 1913
Promotes worker welfare, enforces labor laws, and administers unemployment insurance.
Department of Health and Human Services
Est. 1953
Protects public health and provides essential human services through Medicare, Medicaid, and the CDC.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Est. 1965
Addresses housing needs, improves communities, and enforces fair housing laws.
Department of Transportation
Est. 1966
Ensures fast, safe, efficient transportation through aviation, highways, rail, and transit policy.
Department of Energy
Est. 1977
Advances energy technology, manages nuclear weapons programs, and promotes energy security.
Department of Education
Est. 1979
Promotes student achievement and ensures equal access to educational opportunity.
Department of Veterans Affairs
Est. 1989
Provides benefits, healthcare, and memorial services to U.S. military veterans.
Department of Homeland Security
Est. 2002
Coordinates national efforts to prevent terrorism and respond to natural disasters.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Est. 1908
Investigates federal crimes, counterterrorism, and cybercrime as the nation's premier law enforcement agency.
Drug Enforcement Administration
Est. 1973
Enforces controlled substances laws and regulations and combats drug trafficking.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Est. 1972
Regulates and investigates illegal use of firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol/tobacco trafficking.
U.S. Marshals Service
Est. 1789
Protects federal courts, apprehends fugitives, and manages the witness protection program.
U.S. Secret Service
Est. 1865
Protects national leaders and investigates financial crimes including counterfeiting.
Central Intelligence Agency
Est. 1947
Collects and analyzes foreign intelligence to support national security decision-making.
National Security Agency
Est. 1952
Conducts signals intelligence and protects U.S. government communications and information systems.
Defense Intelligence Agency
Est. 1961
Provides military intelligence to warfighters, defense policymakers, and force planners.
Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Est. 2004
Leads and coordinates the U.S. Intelligence Community across 18 member agencies.
Federal Communications Commission
Est. 1934
Regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
Federal Trade Commission
Est. 1914
Protects consumers and promotes competition by preventing anticompetitive business practices.
Securities and Exchange Commission
Est. 1934
Regulates securities markets and protects investors from fraud and manipulation.
Environmental Protection Agency
Est. 1970
Protects human health and the environment through regulations, research, and enforcement.
Food and Drug Administration
Est. 1906
Ensures the safety and efficacy of food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.
Federal Aviation Administration
Est. 1958
Regulates civil aviation to promote safety and efficiency in U.S. airspace.
NASA
Est. 1958
Leads civilian space exploration, aeronautics research, and Earth science programs.
National Institutes of Health
Est. 1887
The nation's primary medical research agency, funding and conducting biomedical research.
National Science Foundation
Est. 1950
Funds fundamental research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Est. 1901
Advances measurement science, standards, and technology to enhance economic security.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Est. 1946
Protects public health through disease surveillance, prevention, and response programs.
Social Security Administration
Est. 1935
Administers Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for millions of Americans.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Est. 1977
Administers Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Est. 1979
Coordinates disaster response and recovery, and helps communities prepare for emergencies.
U.S. Agency for International Development
Est. 1961
Leads U.S. international development and humanitarian assistance around the world.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Est. 1965
Enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on protected characteristics.
Federal Reserve System
Est. 1913
The central bank of the United States, managing monetary policy and financial system stability.
Internal Revenue Service
Est. 1862
Collects federal taxes and administers the Internal Revenue Code.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Est. 2011
Protects consumers in the financial marketplace from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Est. 1933
Insures bank deposits and promotes stability and public confidence in the financial system.
Office of Management and Budget
Est. 1921
Assists the President in overseeing the federal budget and management of executive agencies.
General Services Administration
Est. 1949
Manages federal property, procurement, and technology services for the U.S. government.
Office of Personnel Management
Est. 1979
Manages the federal civilian workforce through hiring, benefits, and human resources policy.
Government Accountability Office
Est. 1921
The legislative branch watchdog that audits federal programs and advises Congress.
U.S. Postal Service
Est. 1775
Provides postal services to every address in the United States, including rural areas.
National Archives and Records Administration
Est. 1934
Preserves and provides access to federal government records and historical documents.
Official Government Resources
Access official agency websites, regulations, and public records through USA.gov and the Federal Register.