Federal Agency

Definition

A federal agency is a department, bureau, or office within the executive branch of the United States government that is responsible for implementing and administering specific laws and policies. These agencies are established by Congress to carry out the functions of the federal government and serve the needs of the American people.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Federal agencies are created by acts of Congress and derive their authority from the laws that establish them.
2. These agencies are responsible for a wide range of functions, including policymaking, program administration, enforcement of laws and regulations, and providing services to the public.
3. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency that was established in 1953 to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small businesses.
4. The SBA provides a variety of programs and services to small businesses, including access to capital, business development assistance, and government contracting opportunities.
5. Federal agencies are subject to oversight by Congress and the executive branch, and their actions can be reviewed by the judicial branch.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of federal agencies in the context of the Small Business Administration (SBA).
  • The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency that was established to support and promote the interests of small businesses in the United States. As a federal agency, the SBA derives its authority from the laws that created it and is responsible for implementing and administering programs and policies that assist small businesses with access to capital, business development, and government contracting opportunities. The SBA's role as a federal agency is to serve as a bridge between the federal government and the small business community, providing resources and support to help small businesses grow and thrive.
• Describe the relationship between federal agencies and the executive branch of the U.S. government.
  • Federal agencies are part of the executive branch of the U.S. government and are responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws and policies enacted by Congress. While federal agencies have a degree of autonomy in their decision-making and operations, they are ultimately accountable to the president and the executive branch. The president appoints the heads of federal agencies, and the executive branch provides oversight and guidance to ensure that these agencies are carrying out their mandates effectively and efficiently. This relationship between federal agencies and the executive branch is crucial for the effective functioning of the federal government and the delivery of services to the American people.
• Analyze the role of federal agencies in regulating and supporting small businesses, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA).
  • Federal agencies, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA), play a crucial role in regulating and supporting small businesses in the United States. As a federal agency, the SBA is responsible for implementing laws and policies that are designed to aid, counsel, and protect the interests of small businesses. This includes providing access to capital, business development assistance, and government contracting opportunities. By serving as a bridge between the federal government and the small business community, the SBA helps to ensure that small businesses have the resources and support they need to grow and thrive. At the same time, federal agencies like the SBA also play a regulatory role, ensuring that small businesses operate within the bounds of the law and adhere to relevant rules and regulations. The balance between supporting and regulating small businesses is a key function of federal agencies in the context of the American economy.

Related terms

Executive Branch: One of the three branches of the U.S. federal government, responsible for enforcing and administering the law.

Regulatory Agency: A federal agency that is responsible for overseeing and regulating a specific industry or sector of the economy.

Independent Agency: A federal agency that is independent of the executive branch, with its own leadership structure and decision-making authority.