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122 american government research paper topics for you.

American Government Research Paper Topics

American government research paper topics lie under the political science category in schools, universities, and colleges. Many educators ask learners to write about these topics when pursuing political studies.

But, writing about these ideas is not an easy task due to the dynamic nature of politics. Ideally, political tides keep shifting every day. However, students should write about fresh and original ideas to impress their educators and earn top grades.

American Government Research Paper Outline

After picking a topic and researching it, a learner should write a paper with the following sections.

  • Introduction: This section should introduce your topic to the readers and briefly tell the readers what you’ll be discussing in the paper. It should also have your thesis statement or problem statement.
  • Literature review: Here, your paper should highlight relevant studies relating to your topics. Include information about past studies that you have used to research your title.
  • Methodology: This section should tell readers about your research methods and how you analyzed information about your topic.
  • Findings: Tell readers about your research findings in this section. You can describe and evaluate the results.
  • Conclusion: Summarize everything and tell the audience how your findings support your thesis statement. Also, recommend or suggest further studies on the topic if necessary.

Selecting interesting American government paper topics is perhaps, the essential thing when working on this assignment. That’s because you will spend a lot of time gathering and analyzing information. If you pick a dull topic, you won’t enjoy working on your paper. Here are exciting issues to consider when writing a piece about the American government.

Exciting American Government Topics

If the educator didn’t assign you topics for your American government essays, pick titles that you will find exciting to work with from the beginning to the end. Here are exciting ideas to consider for your papers.

  • Does the federal government have too much, enough, or the right power amount?
  • Effects of the 14th Amendment on the United States’ civil liberties
  • Why the Equal Rights Amendment failed
  • Direct democracy vs. representative democracy
  • Should the law extend democratic decision-making to the government, workplace, and school?
  • How New Jersey and Virginia plans led to the Great Compromise
  • What should the U.S. constitution change about the government?
  • States versus the federal government- Which deserve more power?
  • Which programs can compel more people to participate in local and presidential elections?
  • Is gerrymandering dangerous to presidential elections and voting?
  • A comparison of the United States’ political parties- What are their election policies?
  • Should the government require schools to secure a warrant for searching students’ properties?
  • Does the First Amendment provide the fundamental right?
  • Which branch in the federal government wields the most power?
  • How presidents have used the executive orders in the U.S. history
  • How many executive orders has the current President issued?
  • Should congress members vote by following the people’s will or their conscience?
  • Should the congress members have term limits?
  • A comparison of the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate
  • Why do some people call the media the 4th branch of government?
  • How social media has strengthened political parties in the U.S.
  • What are the primary sources of funds for political campaigns in the U.S?

These are compelling topics that will captivate your professor or teacher to read your paper. Nevertheless, research your idea extensively to develop a winning essay.

Legislative Branch of Government Topics

Perhaps, you’re interested in a topic about the legislature. In that case, this category comprises topics you’ll find fascinating to work on from the beginning to the end.

  • The role of advocates, opponents, and experts in the rejection or passage of a bill
  • Why does the number of subcommittees and committees matter?
  • Describe the legislative process that the Senate follows
  • Why does the decisive vote by the Vice President matter to the Senate?
  • The 17th Amendment ratification in 1913
  • Why representatives should elect their house speaker
  • The essence of the 25th Amendment to the legislature and the house
  • How effective is the Senate in committee hearings and inquiries
  • Why the Congress should have powers to remove a seating President
  • Passing a bill- What is the origin of the two-third majority rule?
  • The importance of the Senate in approving presidential appointments
  • Why does the 25-year age limit matter when vying?
  • Why house representatives should sever for over two terms
  • The essence of the census in determining the representatives’ number
  • A critical evaluation of the Senate and House of Representatives
  • Is the American legislature an accurate reflection of women’s representation?
  • Is the United States Congress adequately constituted?

Consider these ideas and then explore them through research to develop informative papers. Aim to provide relevant and valuable information through your essay to impress the educator.

U.S. Government Research Paper Topics for College & University Students

Perhaps, you’re in college or university, and you need a topic for your research paper. In that case, consider the following titles for your essays.

  • How reliable are presidential election polls?
  • American government’s public relations and their essence in its success
  • Clinton and Bush war doctrines
  • What is the U.S. government’s stance on immigration?
  • Why the 2008 U.S. Presidential election was a biased female politician’s depiction in the mass media
  • How the constitution balances power between the government branches
  • How the U.S. government influence the American democracy
  • How the government’s bureaucratic processes influence modern America
  • How the U.S. government’s foreign policies affect the European politics
  • The government’s role in fighting against terrorism
  • How political scandals affect the U.S. government
  • How divisions in the U.S. government affect its functioning
  • Foreign policy by the U.S. government- Guns or words?
  • The U.S. government and church interconnections- How do they influence society morals?
  • The U.S. government policy on speech freedom in modern society
  • Should direct voting replace the Electoral College system?
  • The pros and cons of the U.S. government policy on marijuana legalization
  • The U.S. government censorship- Should citizens watch whatever they want?
  • An empiric study of money distribution by the U.S. government
  • What is the U.S. government’s policy on outsourcing?
  • Describe the U.S. government’s policies about the web
  • Does the U.S. government have a religious aspect?
  • What are the issues facing the Federal government in the U.S.?
  • How the U.S. government policies affect social inequality
  • The U.S. government’s main principles and their implementation during the XXI century

Some of the topics in this category require high-level research to produce quality papers. Nevertheless, you can write a good essay if you take the time to research your preferred idea.

Government Research Paper Topics about the Executive Arm

Maybe you’re interested in the executive arm of the U.S. government. In that case, explore these topics about this branch of the U.S. government.

  • Why the Department of Defense is the most significant arm of the U.S. government
  • Does the committee have the correct number of departments to meet the U.S. people’s needs?
  • Why is the cabinet comprised of the closest confidants of the President?
  • Is it right for the U.S. president to select the cabinet members alone?
  • Why the White House Chief of Staff has to be the closest adviser of the President?
  • Why do Vice Presidents have a unique approach to their role?
  • What is the national relevance of the President’s Oval Office?
  • Is it necessary for the First Family and the President to live in the White House?
  • Is the congressional delegation during the electoral vote a representation of the people’s will?
  • What is the meaning of the State of the Union Address for a President?
  • What are the President’s powers?
  • Explain how the federal government administers and enforces federal laws
  • Does the President have the ability to appoint independent national commissions heads?
  • How the Congress affects overwriting a President’s veto
  • Should the constitution allow the President unlimited powers to extend amnesties and pardons for federal crimes?
  • Advantages and disadvantages of the Affordable Care Act by President Obama

Most research paper topics in this category revolve around the cabinet, vice president, and President. Nevertheless, they can be the basis of good academic papers.

Politics Topics to Write about in High School

If looking for political topics for high school, this section has the best ideas for you.

  • Is it right or wrong for the U.S government to monitor the public?
  • Government incentives and globalization
  • Government aid and U.S. airways
  • What is the difference between a parliamentary government and a presidential government?
  • Should the U.S. government regulate the internet?
  • How religion affects the U.S. government
  • Business and government relations
  • Does the government control equality?
  • Influence of government policies on wealth and income distribution
  • Local and state government accounting
  • What is the role of government in the market economy?
  • Does the constitution give citizens obligations and duties to the U.S. government?
  • What are the principles of the United States government?
  • Does the U.S. government control the media?
  • Issues facing the U.S. federal government

These are exciting topics in American politics and the government for high school students. Nevertheless, learners should research their topics extensively to write quality papers.

Questions about American Government

Perhaps, you’re looking for questions you can answer in your paper about the American government. In that case, here are brilliant ideas to consider.

  • Between representative and direct democracy, which is the best option for Americans?
  • What can convince more people to participate in the U.S. election?
  • Between the federal and the state government, which is the most powerful and why?
  • Who funds political campaigns in the U.S.?
  • Is the media the fourth U.S. government branch?
  • Do Congress members follow their voters’ will?
  • How do the U.S. presidents use their executive privileges?
  • Why are presidential election polls unreliable?
  • Does the U.S. federal government have excess power?
  • What led to the failure of the Equal Rightnecessarynt in the Senate?
  • Why is the U.S First Amendment so important to Americans’ human rights?
  • Is reducing the federal budget deficit important?
  • Has the U.S. government contributed to citizens’ inequality?
  • How does religion affect the U.S. government and citizens?
  • What are the effects of the ruling party on the U.S. government?
  • What is the U.S. government’s role in the American economy?

These questions can be the basis of excellent American government research topics. Nevertheless, research your preferred idea to develop a winning paper.

Public Policy Research Paper Topics

Perhaps, you want to write about a topic that touches on the public interest. In that case, consider the ideas in this category.

  • Should the U.S. government legalize marijuana?
  • Should the U.S. government change the public healthcare policy?
  • Should the government ban alcohol commercials from television?
  • Should state governments tackle the high divorce rate?
  • Ways for the U.S. government to address the gun ownership issue?
  • Does the U.S. government infringe on the citizens’ privacy through public surveillance?
  • Should the U.S. government regulate university and college education fees?
  • How does the U.S. government benefit from the high number of people completing higher education?
  • Should the U.S. government require immigrants to learn the national language?
  • Should the U.S. government make vaccines compulsory?

Writing an American research paper can be fun if you pick the right topic. Therefore, take your time to identify the best issues to write about, and you will earn the top grades in your class.

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Forensic Science Research Topics

332 American Government Essay Topics & Research Ideas

18 January 2024

last updated

American Government essay topics present a comprehensive spectrum for exploration, each varying in depth and complexity. Some themes may include the functionality of constitutional democracy in the United States (U.S.), the examination of civil liberties and rights, or the intricacies of the federal system. Students may delve into the analysis of influential Supreme Court decisions, the evolving role of the Presidency, or the workings of Congressional lawmaking. Contemporary subjects, like campaign finance reform, immigration policy, or the impact of media on political discourse, are also important. Unraveling the politics of environmental policy or the checks and balances system’s practicality offers bright themes. In turn, investigating the role of lobbyists and interest groups or dissecting the dynamics of public opinion and voting behavior can give intriguing insights. Thus, American government essay topics not only foster a deeper understanding of the nation’s political landscape but also stimulate critical thinking and analytical skills.

Top Government Essay Topics

  • Privatization of Public Services: Merits and Criticisms
  • Freedom of Information Laws: Transparency and Accountability in Government
  • Understanding E-Governance: Potential and Pitfalls
  • Interrogating Federalism: Power Dynamics in Multi-Tier Governments
  • Political Polarization and Governance: A Detailed Analysis
  • Digital Surveillance: Privacy Concerns and State Interests
  • Immigration Policies: Comparative Analysis of Different Governments
  • Climate Change Policies: Effectiveness and Implementation Challenges
  • Political Accountability in the Age of Social Media
  • Public Health and Governance: Lessons From Pandemics
  • Decentralization in Government: A Thorough Examination
  • State Autonomy vs. Federal Overreach: Tensions and Resolutions
  • Analyzing the Concept of Sovereignty in the 21st Century
  • Justice System Reforms: Understanding the Need and Potential Approaches
  • Social Welfare Programs: Effectiveness and Public Reception
  • Education Policy and Governance: Ensuring Equal Opportunities
  • Tensions Between Civil Liberties and National Security
  • Emergency Powers: Necessary Tool or Slippery Slope to Authoritarianism
  • Campaign Finance Reforms: Balancing Transparency and Political Freedom
  • Understanding the Separation of Powers: Checks and Balances in Action

American Government Essay Topics & Research Ideas

Easy Government Essay Topics

  • Understanding Democracy: Basic Concepts and Principles
  • Different Types of Government: A Comparative Study
  • Voting Systems: Pros and Cons of First-Past-the-Post
  • Government’s Part in Economic Development: An Overview
  • Public Health: Government’s Responsibilities and Duties
  • Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens: A Closer Look
  • Elections: Understanding the Electoral College System
  • Why Do We Need a Constitution? An Elementary Explanation
  • Importance of Civic Education in a Democracy
  • Federal vs. State Powers: An Introduction
  • Social Security: Functions and Challenges
  • Government Regulation of Media: Freedom vs. Responsibility
  • Public Transportation and Government’s Involvement: An Overview
  • Differences Between Presidential and Parliamentary Systems of Government
  • Local Governments: Responsibilities and Functions
  • Citizen Participation in Government: Why Does It Matter?
  • Understanding Public Policy: A Basic Analysis
  • Freedom of Speech: Government and Constitutional Protection
  • National Security and Individual Privacy: Striking a Balance

Interesting Government Essay Topics

  • Privatization vs. Public Ownership: Theoretical Considerations
  • Decentralization of Power: Unraveling Its Implications
  • State Surveillance: Dilemma of Privacy vs. Security
  • National Debts: Examining Their Economic and Political Effects
  • Monarchies in the 21st Century: An Analytical Perspective
  • Cryptocurrency Regulation: Assessing Different Government Approaches
  • Digital Governance: Opportunities and Pitfalls
  • Constitutional Interpretation: Originalism vs. Living Constitution Theory
  • Understanding Federalism: A Comparative Analysis
  • Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence in Governance
  • Climate Change Policy: National vs. International Responsibilities
  • Democracy and Technology: Influence of Social Media on Governance
  • Public Administration Reforms: Lessons From Around the World
  • Immigration Policy: Factors Influencing Government Decisions
  • Separation of Powers: An Inquiry Into Its Real-World Implications
  • Fiscal Policy during Recessions: Strategies and Outcomes
  • Authoritarian Regimes in a Digital Age: Unpacking the Complexities
  • Intelligence Agencies: Examining Oversight and Control Mechanisms
  • Social Equity and Government Policy: Challenges and Opportunities
  • Political Dynasties: Assessing Their Influence on Democratic Governance

U.S. Government Research Paper Topics for College

  • Gun Control Policies: Analyzing the Effectiveness in the U.S.
  • Unraveling the Complexity of U.S. Immigration Reform
  • Affordable Care Act: A Comprehensive Analysis Post Implementation
  • Effects of Social Media on the U.S. Electoral Process
  • Campaign Finance Laws in the United States: A Closer Look
  • Government Shutdowns: Causes and Consequences in the U.S.
  • Federalism in the United States: Changing Dynamics
  • Dissecting the Patriot Act: Implications for Civil Liberties
  • Constitutional Rights and Digital Privacy: An American Perspective
  • Polarization in American Politics: Causes and Effects
  • U.S. Tax Reform: An Analysis of Recent Changes
  • Influence of Lobbying on Law-Making in the United States
  • Supreme Court Appointments: Politics and Consequences
  • Federal Reserve’s Monetary Policy: A Comprehensive Review
  • Investigating the Role of Super PACs in U.S. Elections
  • American Infrastructure Spending: Assessing Need and Impact
  • Analyzing the U.S. Response to Climate Change
  • Understanding the U.S. Electoral College: Pros and Cons
  • U.S. Drug Policy: Lessons Learned From the War on Drugs

U.S. Government Research Paper Topics for University

  • Native American Treaties and U.S. Government: A Detailed Study
  • Rise of Partisanship: An Exploration Into U.S. Politics
  • Education Policy in the United States: A Critical Assessment
  • American Antitrust Legislation: A Review and Analysis
  • U.S. Military Strategy in the Post-Cold War Era: A Comprehensive Study
  • Housing Policy and Inequality in the United States: A Detailed Examination
  • U.S. Trade Agreements: Analyzing Their Success and Failures
  • Unfolding American Diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific Region: An In-Depth Review
  • Citizens United Decision: An Analysis of Its Implications on U.S. Elections
  • Racial Profiling and Law Enforcement in the U.S.: A Study on Systemic Bias
  • Space Exploration Policies of the U.S.: A Comprehensive Overview
  • Gerrymandering in the United States: Analyzing Its Impacts on Representation
  • Public Health Policy in the U.S.: Lessons From the Covid-19 Pandemic
  • Women in U.S. Politics: A Study on Representation and Influence
  • Privatization in the U.S.: A Critical Analysis of Its Effects on Public Services
  • U.S. Welfare Policy: An Evaluation of Its Efficacy and Inclusivity
  • Privacy Rights in the U.S.: Analyzing the Balance Between Security and Liberty
  • Minimum Wage Policies in the United States: A Comparative Study
  • U.S. Energy Policy: A Study of Transition towards Renewable Resources
  • Cybersecurity in the U.S.: Analyzing Government’s Role in Protecting National Infrastructure

American Government and Foreign Policy Essay Topics

  • Middle East Policies: A Review of U.S. Strategy and Diplomacy
  • Democratization and American Foreign Policy: A Critical Examination
  • China-U.S. Relations: A Study of Economic and Security Dilemmas
  • American Strategy in Containing North Korea’s Nuclear Ambition
  • Shifts in U.S.-Russia Relations: Post-Cold War Analysis
  • Climate Change and American Foreign Policy: An In-Depth Study
  • Human Rights in American Foreign Policy: Case Studies From the 21st Century
  • Evaluating U.S. Intervention in Afghanistan: A Retrospective Study
  • Cyber Warfare and U.S. Foreign Policy: Exploring Strategies and Consequences
  • U.S. and NATO: Analyzing the Changing Dynamics of Transatlantic Alliance
  • Latin America in U.S. Foreign Policy: A Historical Analysis
  • American Policy in the Indo-Pacific: Security, Diplomacy, and Economics
  • U.S. Foreign Aid: Analysis of Trends and Effectiveness
  • Arms Control and American Foreign Policy: A Review of Key Agreements
  • U.S.-EU Relations: Trade, Security, and Diplomatic Perspectives
  • American Policy Towards Israel and Palestine: A Critical Evaluation
  • The Iran Nuclear Deal and U.S. Foreign Policy: A Comprehensive Study
  • Global Health and American Foreign Policy: Priorities and Challenges
  • Climate Diplomacy in U.S. Foreign Policy: A Study of the Paris Agreement

American Government and Media Essay Topics

  • Media Influence on Presidential Elections: A Case Study
  • Influence of Media in Shaping Public Policy: An Analysis
  • The First Amendment: Press Freedom and Its Limits
  • Media Portrayal of U.S. Foreign Policy: A Critical Examination
  • Partisan Media and Polarization in American Politics: An Exploratory Study
  • Fake News and Its Influence on American Political Discourse
  • Public Broadcasting in America: A Historical Analysis
  • Digital Media and American Politics: Understanding the Shift
  • Social Media’s Influence on Political Mobilization: Case Studies From the U.S.
  • Media Bias in Coverage of Gun Control: A Comparative Study
  • Media Framing of Immigration Policies in the U.S.: A Discourse Analysis
  • Network News and Its Influence on Public Perception of the Presidency
  • The Power of Political Cartoons in Shaping Public Opinion
  • Censorship and Self-Censorship in American Media: A Comprehensive Study
  • Media Coverage of the Supreme Court: A Critical Review
  • Cable News and Polarization in U.S. Politics: A Longitudinal Study
  • The Role of Satirical News in American Political Discourse
  • Media and Public Perception of Climate Change Policies in America
  • Traditional Media vs. Social Media in U.S. Political Campaigns: A Comparative Analysis

American Political Parties and Elections Topics

  • Campaign Strategies in Modern American Elections: An Analysis
  • Transformative Elections in American History: Case Studies
  • Minor Political Parties in U.S. Electoral Politics: A Comparative Study
  • Influence of Lobbying on Election Outcomes: An Empirical Investigation
  • How Gerrymandering Shapes American Politics: A Comprehensive Review
  • American Presidential Primaries: A Historical Examination
  • The Electoral College: An Evaluation of Its Efficacy in Modern U.S. Politics
  • American Politics and the Issue of Voter Suppression: A Critical Study
  • Dynamics of Swing States in U.S. Presidential Elections: An In-Depth Analysis
  • Candidate Image Crafting in American Elections: A Semiotic Analysis
  • Polarization and Its Effect on American Elections: An Empirical Investigation
  • Public Financing in American Elections: A Comparative Study
  • Third-Party Candidates and Their Influence on U.S. Elections: An Exploratory Study
  • American Midterm Elections and Their Effect on Presidential Governance: An Analysis
  • Effects of Negative Campaigning in U.S. Elections: A Quantitative Study
  • Dynamics of Coalition Building in American Political Parties: A Case Study
  • Presidential Debates and Their Influence on Election Outcomes: An Empirical Investigation
  • Changes in Electoral Behavior in the American South: A Longitudinal Study
  • The Effect of Voter Turnout on Election Results: A Statistical Analysis
  • The Future of American Elections: Predicting Trends in the Digital Age

Government Research Paper Topics About the Executive Arm

  • Presidential Decision-Making in Times of Crisis: A Comparative Analysis
  • Foreign Policy Execution and the American President: A Critical Study
  • Cabinet Appointments and Policy Outcomes: An Empirical Investigation
  • Transformations in the Executive Office: A Historical Review
  • Executive Orders: A Quantitative Analysis of Their Use and Effectiveness
  • Exercise of Veto Power: A Comparative Study Across Presidential Administrations
  • War Powers and the U.S. Presidency: A Constitutional Analysis
  • American Presidency and the Pardon Power: A Legal Examination
  • Executive Privilege: Its Use and Misuse in American Politics
  • Presidential Succession and Continuity of Government: A Policy Analysis
  • Dynamics of Executive-Legislative Relations: An Interdisciplinary Study
  • The Vice Presidency: Evolution and Influence in Modern American Politics
  • Presidential Campaigns: Financing and Its Influence on Policy Outcomes
  • National Emergency Declarations and Presidential Power: A Constitutional Study
  • The Power of Persuasion: Rhetoric and the American Presidency
  • The Cabinet’s Influence on Presidential Decision-Making: A Qualitative Study
  • Presidential Nominations and the Confirmation Process: A Policy Analysis
  • Environmental Policy-Making in the Executive Branch: A Historical Review
  • Immigration Policy Execution and Presidential Discretion: A Comparative Analysis
  • National Security and the Use of Executive Power: A Critical Investigation

Legislative Branch of Government Essay Topics in American Politics

  • Committee Power in the U.S. Congress: A Quantitative Study
  • Bicameralism and Its Influence on Legislation: A Comparative Analysis
  • Parliamentary Procedure and Democratic Governance: A Policy Review
  • Policy-Making Dynamics in the Senate: A Historical Review
  • Congressional Oversight and Its Effect on Executive Power: A Qualitative Study
  • Gridlock in Congress: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
  • House Rules Committee and Its Influence on Legislation: An Empirical Investigation
  • Legislative Agendas: Partisanship and Its Effects on Lawmaking
  • Lobbying and Influence in the Lawmaking Process: A Critical Analysis
  • Congressional Elections: Campaign Financing and Electoral Outcomes
  • Redistricting and Its Effect on the Balance of Power in Congress: A Quantitative Analysis
  • Filibuster and Its Impact on Legislative Efficiency: A Policy Analysis
  • Political Polarization in the House of Representatives: A Comparative Study
  • Congressional Ethics and Conduct: A Legal Examination
  • Minority Representation in the U.S. Congress: A Quantitative Analysis
  • Leadership Dynamics in Congress: A Historical Review
  • Term Limits and Legislative Productivity: An Empirical Investigation
  • Congressional Budgeting Process: A Critical Examination
  • Lawmaking and the Influence of Interest Groups: A Comparative Analysis
  • Checks and Balances: The Role of Congress in National Security Policy-Making

Political Behavior and American Government Essay Topics

  • Identity Politics and Policy Preferences in American Government
  • Shifts in American Political Behavior: Historical Analysis
  • Public Opinion, Ideology, and Policy Change in U.S. Politics
  • Media Consumption and Its Influence on Political Preferences
  • Digital Democracy: How the Internet Has Transformed Political Participation
  • Voting Behavior and Electoral Outcomes: An Empirical Examination
  • Effects of Civic Education on Political Engagement: A Comparative Study
  • Partisan Realignment and Its Consequences for American Politics
  • Dynamics of Political Polarization in Contemporary America
  • Political Trust and Its Relationship With Government Performance
  • Cultural Factors and Their Influence on Political Attitudes
  • Citizen Engagement and Its Relationship With Political Accountability
  • Exploring the Nexus Between Socioeconomic Status and Political Behavior
  • Environmental Concerns and Their Influence on Voting Behavior
  • Political Socialization and Its Impact on Political Affiliation
  • Understanding Populism in the Context of American Politics
  • Racial Politics and Its Effect on the American Government
  • Religious Beliefs and Their Influence on Political Behavior
  • Public Opinion and Foreign Policy: A Historical Analysis

Political Theory and American Government Essay Topics

  • Applying Rawlsian Justice to American Policy Making
  • Hobbes and the Foundation of American Political Structure
  • Lockean Ideals in the American Declaration of Independence
  • Exploring the Influence of Machiavellian Theory on U.S. Politics
  • Marxist Interpretations of American Economic Policies
  • Application of Communitarianism in U.S. Social Welfare Policies
  • Classical Republicanism and Its Echoes in American Government
  • Neo-Conservatism and Its Theoretical Foundations in U.S. Politics
  • Postmodern Perspectives on American Democracy
  • Utilitarianism and Its Reflection on American Economic Policies
  • Feminist Political Theory and Its Relevance in U.S. Politics
  • Concepts of Liberty in American Political Discourse: A Theoretical Analysis
  • Civil Disobedience: From Thoreau to Modern American Protests
  • Pluralism and Interest Group Politics in America
  • Exploring Libertarianism in the Context of U.S. Government Policies
  • Populism as a Political Theory: Reflections in American Politics
  • Deliberative Democracy in Practice: U.S. Town Hall Meetings
  • Contractualism and the American Constitution: A Theoretical Analysis
  • Understanding Identity Politics through the Lens of Queer Theory in the U.S.
  • Anarchist Theories and Their Relevance to American Political Movements

Public Policy and Administration Topics

  • Understanding Policy Feedback and Its Implications on Program Sustainability
  • Public Administration Reforms: Comparative Analysis of Best Practices
  • Fiscal Federalism and Public Policy Making in Decentralized Systems
  • Emergent Public Policy Challenges in Cybersecurity
  • Public Administration and Crisis Management: Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Public Policy Responses to Technological Disruption
  • Transparency, Accountability, and Ethics in Public Administration
  • Policy Diffusion in Intergovernmental Relations: Patterns and Challenges
  • Incorporating Behavioral Insights Into Public Policy Design
  • Interrogating the Influence of Lobbying on Public Policy
  • Urban Planning Policies and Sustainable Development Goals
  • Gender Mainstreaming Strategies in Public Policy and Administration
  • Public Administration’s Adaptation to Digital Transformation
  • Healthcare Policy Reforms: Balancing Efficiency and Equity
  • Exploring the Nexus of Public Policy and Social Justice
  • Multiculturalism in Public Policy: Incorporating Diversity in Service Delivery
  • Trade Policy Negotiations and National Interests: A Diplomatic Tightrope
  • Fostering Innovation and Creativity through Education Policies
  • Public Policy Making in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges

Questions About the American Government

  • American Government System: Why Does It Operate on a Two-Party Structure?
  • Supreme Court Appointments: How Do They Influence the Balance of Power?
  • Understanding the Bill of Rights: Which Amendments Have Provoked the Most Controversy?
  • Federalism in America: How Does It Affect State Policies?
  • Impeachment Process in the United States: What Are the Criteria and Consequences?
  • Why Does the United States Employ an Electoral College in Presidential Elections?
  • American Government and Lobbying: Is There a Need for Stricter Regulations?
  • Deciphering the Role of Super PACs in American Politics: Are They a Necessity?
  • How Does Gerrymandering Influence Political Representation in America?
  • Citizens United Decision: What Are Its Implications on American Democracy?
  • Understanding the Powers and Limitations of the American Presidency: Is It Truly a Democratic Office?
  • How Does the American Constitution Protect Individual Rights?
  • Campaign Finance in American Elections: How Does It Affect Political Outcomes?
  • Functioning of the American Legislative Branch: What Makes It Efficient?
  • Why Do Executive Orders Play a Vital Part in the Functioning of the American Government?
  • Effect of Gridlock in Congress on American Policy Making: Is It Detrimental?
  • How Does Public Opinion Influence Government Decision-Making in the United States?
  • Influence of Interest Groups on American Government: Boon or Bane?
  • Bicameral Legislature in America: What Are Its Rationale and Significance?

State and Local Government Essay Topics in the American System

  • Decentralization Dynamics: A Study of Power Shifts in State and Local Governments
  • Strategizing Municipal Finance: Effective Revenue Generation Models
  • State Sovereignty vs. Federal Guidelines: An Examination of Conflict and Cooperation
  • Examining the Efficacy of Participatory Budgeting in Local Government
  • Local Governments and Environmental Sustainability: Policy Design and Implementation
  • Diversity in Local Government Leadership: A Comprehensive Analysis
  • Education Policy Formulation at the State Level: A Comparative Study
  • Municipal Bond Market: Understanding Its Function in Infrastructure Development
  • Public Health Management at the State Level: Lessons From Pandemic Response
  • Understanding Land Use Policy: A Perspective From Local Governments
  • Fiscal Decentralization: Its Effect on State and Local Economic Development
  • Urban Planning and Local Governments: A Critical Analysis of Current Practices
  • Evaluating the Effectiveness of State Governments in Disaster Management
  • State Government Pension Systems: An Analytical Review of Their Sustainability
  • Public Transportation Policy: A Case Study of State-Level Initiatives
  • Revenue Sharing Between States and Localities: An Assessment of Current Mechanisms
  • Local Government and Community Engagement: Strategies for Effective Citizen Participation
  • Accountability Measures in State Government: An Investigation of Transparency Practices
  • Public-Private Partnerships in Local Government: A Review of Best Practices
  • Challenges and Solutions in State-Level Cybersecurity Policy Implementation

The Constitution and Bill of Rights Topics

  • Interpreting Freedom: First Amendment Controversies in the Digital Age
  • Second Amendment Debates: Understanding the Constitution and Gun Control
  • Protection vs. Privacy: The Fourth Amendment in an Era of Technology
  • The Eighth Amendment: Contemporary Challenges in the Context of Criminal Justice
  • Dilemmas of Due Process: A Critical Examination of the Fifth Amendment
  • Origins and Applications: A Deep Dive Into the Tenth Amendment
  • Historical Analysis of Constitutional Amendments: Understanding Their Significance
  • Cultural Shifts and Constitutional Interpretation: Exploring the Changing Landscape
  • Examining the Thirteenth Amendment: The Legacy of Abolition and Modern-Day Implications
  • Constitutional Equality: The Unratified Equal Rights Amendment
  • The Nineteenth Amendment and Beyond: Women’s Suffrage and Contemporary Gender Politics
  • Voting Rights: The Twenty-Sixth Amendment and Current Debates on Age and Citizenship
  • The Jurisprudence of the Supreme Court: Notable Cases Interpreting the Bill of Rights
  • Constitutional Debates and Democracy: Analyzing the Balance of Powers
  • Influence of International Law on Constitutional Interpretation
  • How the Bill of Rights Influences Modern Social Movements
  • The Constitution and Indigenous Rights: Historical Context and Present Implications
  • Reevaluating the Commerce Clause: A Critical Exploration in the Context of Globalization
  • Constitutional Perspectives on Data Privacy and Protection

The Judicial Branch of Government Essay Topics in American Politics

  • Deciphering Judicial Independence: Origins, Challenges, and Prospects
  • Understanding the Supreme Court: Composition, Function, and Influence
  • Appointment Controversies: Analyzing the Supreme Court Nominations
  • Federal Courts and Politics: An Examination of Judicial Decision-Making
  • Checks and Balances: The Judiciary and the Executive Power
  • Courts as Policy Makers: Exploring Activism Within the Judicial Branch
  • The Art of Interpretation: Statutory Construction in the Supreme Court
  • From Marbury to Modernity: The Evolution of Judicial Review
  • Exploring Sentencing Disparities: An Examination of Federal Courts
  • Diversity in the Judiciary: Assessing Representation in Federal Courts
  • Law, Order, and Ethics: A Critical Analysis of Judicial Conduct
  • Public Perception and Confidence in the Judicial Branch
  • Case Precedent and Legal Stability: The Doctrine of Stare Decisis
  • Securing Justice: The Role of Federal Public Defenders
  • Judicial Power in the Context of Constitutional Crises
  • Assessing the Effectiveness of Specialized Courts: A Comparative Study
  • Judicial Restraint and Activism: Ideology in Supreme Court Rulings
  • The Federal Judiciary and Civil Liberties: Trends and Implications
  • Administrative Law and Federal Courts: A Study in Regulatory Litigation
  • International Law in U.S. Courts: Application and Controversy

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

278 pros and cons essay topics & ideas, 957 political science research topics & essay ideas.

25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes

Writing Ideas That Will Make Students Think

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If you are a teacher searching for essay topics to assign to your U.S. government or civics class or looking for ideas, do not fret. It is easy to integrate debates and discussions into the classroom environment. These topic suggestions provide a wealth of ideas for written assignments such as  position papers , compare-and-contrast essays , and  argumentative essays . Scan the following 25 question topics and ideas to find just the right one. You'll soon be reading interesting papers from your students after they grapple with these challenging and important issues.

  • Compare and contrast what is a direct democracy versus representative democracy. 
  • React to the following statement: Democratic decision-making should be extended to all areas of life including schools, the workplace, and the government. 
  • Compare and contrast the Virginia and New Jersey plans. Explain how these led to the Great Compromise .
  • Pick one thing about the U.S. Constitution including its amendments that you think should be changed. What modifications would you make? Explain your reasons for making this change.
  • What did Thomas Jefferson mean when he said, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants?" Do you think that this statement still applies to today's world? 
  • Compare and contrast mandates and conditions of aid regarding the federal government's relationship with states. For example, how has the Federal Emergency Management Agency delivered support to states and commonwealths that have experienced natural disasters?
  • Should individual states have more or less power compared to the federal government when implementing laws dealing with topics such as the legalization of marijuana  and abortion ? 
  • Outline a program that would get more people to vote in presidential elections or local elections.
  • What are the dangers of gerrymandering when it comes to voting and presidential elections?
  • Compare and contrast the major political parties in the United States. What policies are they preparing for upcoming elections?
  • Why would voters choose to vote for a third party, even though they know that their candidate has virtually no chance of winning? 
  • Describe the major sources of money that are donated to political campaigns. Check out the Federal Election Regulatory Commission's website for information.
  • Should corporations be treated as individuals regarding being allowed to donate to political campaigns?  Look at the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC ruling on the issue. Defend your answer. 
  • Explain the role of social media in connecting interest groups that have grown stronger as the major political parties have grown weaker. 
  • Explain why the media has been called the fourth branch of government. Include your opinion on whether this is an accurate portrayal.
  • Compare and contrast the campaigns of U.S. Senate and House of Representatives candidates.
  • Should term limits be instituted for members of Congress? Explain your answer.
  • Should members of Congress vote their conscience or follow the will of the people who elected them into office? Explain your answer.
  • Explain how executive orders have been used by presidents throughout the history of the U.S. What is the number of executive orders issued by the current president?
  • In your opinion, which of the three branches of the federal government has the most power? Defend your answer.
  • Which of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment do you consider the most important? Explain your answer. 
  • Should a school be required to get a warrant before searching a student's property? Defend your answer. 
  • Why did the Equal Rights Amendment fail? What kind of campaign could be run to see it passed?
  • Explain how the 14th Amendment has affected civil liberties in the United States from the time of its passage at the end of the Civil War.
  • Do you think that the federal government has enough, too much or just the right amount of power? Defend your answer.
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Ease your college life with our american government research paper topics.

August 13, 2020

American Government Research Paper Topics

Stay with me now.

Thinking up the best topic to write on government isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Which is why we’ve come up with this great list of items. How? You may ask. We pride in our native English-speaking writers, to deliver top American government topics for your academic assignments, including essays and research papers.

When you have exciting government topics to write about, the rest of the process becomes easy-peasy. Nevertheless, this is a skill that only a few possess. Lucky for you today, you will learn them firsthand from the gurus.

Let us explore various categories of top-notch US government research paper topics:

American Government Research Paper Topics: Legislative Branch

Here, we explore some of the good government paper topics in the legislative arm of the American government.

  • A critical analysis of the House of Representatives and the senate
  • Why the census is essential in determining the number of representatives
  • Should house representatives serve for more than two terms?
  • Is the 25-years age limit a necessity to vie?
  • Why the senate is crucial in approving necessary presidential appointments
  • What is the origin of the two-thirds majority rule in passing a bill?
  • Should Congress have the powers to remove the President?
  • Is the senate effective in Committee inquiries and hearings?
  • Why is the 25th Amendment necessary for the House and the legislature?
  • Should the Representatives elect the speaker of the House?
  • The ratification of the 17th Amendment in 1913
  • Is the Vice President’s decisive vote crucial for the senate?
  • Discuss the senate legislation process
  • Does the number of committees and subcommittees matter and why?
  • The role of experts, advocates, and opponents in the passage or rejection of a bill

You can derive more government paper topics on the legislative branch from the government’s website, senate proceedings or related news bulletin.

Government Research Paper Topics on the Executive Arm

You can consider this niche for your American government research paper with the following topics:

  • Discuss the powers of the President and their implications
  • How does the Federal government enforce and administer federal laws?
  • Should the President appoint heads of independent national commissions?
  • What is the effect of Congress overwriting a veto to the President?
  • Should the President have unlimited power to extend pardons and clemencies for federal crimes?
  • What does the State of the Union Address mean for the President?
  • Does the congressional delegation in the electoral vote represent the will of the people?
  • The significance of the President and the First family living in White House
  • Does the President’s Oval Office have any national relevance?
  • Why do Vice Presidents approach their role differently?
  • Why should the White House Chief of Staff be the President’s closest adviser?
  • Should the President decide on the number of cabinet members by himself?
  • The cabinet is often the President’s closest confidants. Why?
  • Do the departments in the committee meet the full needs of the US people?
  • Why is the Department of Defense, the largest government agency?

A majority of government research topics in this sector revolve around the President, VP, and the cabinet.

College Government Thesis Paper Topics

Writing a college essay in this field can be complicated, especially if you are beginning your first year. Here are some good topics for a research paper in college:

  • Compare and contrast direct and representative democracy.
  • What changes would you like to make in the US Constitution?
  • Individual states versus the federal government. Which is powerful?
  • What will make more people vote during elections?
  • An analysis of the two main parties in the US government
  • Why should you vote for a candidate who probably won’t win?
  • Where do political campaigns get their funding, and why?
  • Is media the fourth branch of the US government?
  • Evaluation of the Senate and House of Representatives candidate campaigns
  • Do the members of Congress follow the will of the voters who elected them?
  • How have different US Presidents used executive privilege?
  • Is the executive branch of the US government the most powerful?
  • Why is the First Amendment important to human rights in America?
  • Why did the Equal Rights Amendment fail in the senate?
  • Does the federal government possess excess power as compared to others?
  • Why are polls during presidential elections not reliable?

And there you have your list of government topics for high school, college, and university. Using these easy American government essay topics, you can write a winning research paper worth the commendation of the POTUS.

Are you still wondering, “What are good topics for a research paper?” Well, you have them all systematically arranged for you in the discussion above. However, students in need of professional writing help can get it at affordable rates.

Get yourself a government research paper done by an expert and feel like a pro today!

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Political Science & Law Research Guide: American Government Research Paper (101-75)

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A three-part assignment

Examine some aspect of the Federal Government and explain how its function and mission has changed due to the events of 9/11.

Evaluate the success of this agency in its new mission.

Assignment 1a (Part One)

  • Choose a topic
  • Start to gather information from reputable sources
  • Post the topic in Blackboard

Assignment 1b (Part Two)

  • Create a topic outline
  • Create a Works Cited list in MLA format
  • Submit these in Blackboard

Assignment 1c (Part Three)

  • Create a draft of the body of the report
  • Proofread & correct
  • Submit through Turnitin in Blackboard

U.S. Government Sites

Websites that end in .gov are federal government websites and are considered credible sources.

  • USA.gov (List of government agencies)
  • U.S. Department of State
  • National Security Agency (NSA)
  • Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Department of Homeland Security

Opposing Viewpoints Database

The primary focus of this database is to provide information from various sources on major issues of the day. 

Articles on many of the topics for this assignment can be found in this product plus reference sources, video, audio, etc.

It is a great tool for choosing a topic.

  • Opposing Viewpoints This link opens in a new window Pro/con database of social issues.

Suggested terms for searching

The official subject heading for 9/11 is: September 11 terrorist attacks, 2001

  • A search on 9/11 will bring up items with that information in the title or description ONLY
  • To find EVERYTHING, use the subject heading language
  • Do not search with acronyms or abbreviations--spell out the words

Other useful subject headings:

Use combinations of these words when searching the catalog or research databases--subject headings are always good search terms

Construct your searches using the word AND between terms--this narrows your search to include both concepts.

Example:  terrorism and privacy

Use the Advanced Search option which includes more opportunities for limiting the search plus several search windows with AND between the the windows

  • War on Terrorism
  • terrorism--United States--prevention
  • terrorism--prevention
  • United States--foreign relations--Middle East
  • Middle East--foreign relations--United States
  • international relations
  • intelligence service
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (NOT FBI)
  • Central Intelligence Agency (NOT CIA)
  • National Security Agency (NOT NSA)
  • military intelligence
  • United States. Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001
  • freedom of religion
  • Islamic fundamentalism
  • terrorism--religious aspects
  • unlawful combatants
  • counterinsurgency
  • airports--security measures
  • airline passenger security screening
  • hijacking of aircraft --prevention
  • commercial aeronautics--security measures
  • aeronautics--safety measures
  • airplane cockpits
  • sky marshals (NOT air marshals)
  • civil rights
  • human rights
  • electronic surveillance
  • wiretapping
  • national security
  • emergency management
  • immigration

For additional subject headings, see also the Homeland Security page on the Criminal Justice Research Guide .

Finding Books

Use the Find Books tab above to search the catalog for books.

Use the suggested search terms in the middle column to construct searches.

Broaden the search to All Formats to find books on listed topics in other local libraries, including the Hoover Library at McDaniel College. 

Use the Request button to get those books delivered to the local library of your choice.

Finding Articles

Use the Find Articles tab above to find articles in research databases.

The best databases for these topics are:

  • Academic Search Premier
  • Use the search tips under Help in the database to learn how to search efficiently in EBSCOhost databases
  • Military & Government Collection (another EBSCOhost database)
  • Current Issues databases
  • Newspaper databases

Organizations

Use the Encyclopedia of Associations to find organizations by subject.

To use Google to find organizations, enter a search term and site:org.

  • American Civil Liberties Union
  • Brookings Institute (Defense & Security)
  • Brookings Institute (U.S. Foreign Policy)
  • Council on Foreign Relations (Defense/Homeland Security)
  • Pew Research Center: Immigration Publications on immigration

Suggested Reference Books

Use Reference Books to get background information on a topic, identify good search terms, and find other resources.

federal government topics for research papers

  • Encyclopedia of terrorism Call Number: REF HV6431 K883 2003
  • Encyclopedia of world terrorism Call Number: REF HV6431 E53 2003
  • Encyclopedia of terrorism Call Number: REF HV6431 C65 2007
  • Terrorism : a documentary and reference guide Call Number: REF HV6432 B87 2005
  • Terrorism : a documentary history Call Number: REF HV6431 T4594 2003
  • Homeland security : a documentary history Call Number: REF UA927 H657 2004
  • Global perspectives on the United States : a nation by nation survey Call Number: REF E895 G56 2007
  • World at risk : a global issues sourcebook. Call Number: REF HN28 W67 2010
  • Encyclopedia of American civil liberties Call Number: REF KF4747.5 E53 2006
  • The encyclopedia of civil liberties in America Call Number: REF JC599 U5 E53 2005
  • Encyclopedia of privacy Call Number: REF JC596.2 U5 E53 2007
  • U.S. presidents and foreign policy : from 1789 to the present Call Number: REF E176.1 U16 2007
  • Encyclopedia of American immigration Call Number: REF JV 6465 E53 2010
  • Encyclopedia of law enforcement Call Number: REF HV7921 E53 2004
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United States Federal Government Resources: Research Basics

Introduction.

The U.S. Federal Government is a complex institution that can seem intimidating if you can't remember the basics from your high school civics class. There are several levels of government in the United States; this guide focuses solely on the U.S. Federal Government, or government at a national level. The Federal Government is made up of three branches: the Executive (or Presidential), the Legislative (or Congressional), and the Judicial (or Judiciary) branches. If you would like more information on each of the three branches, please visit the other pages in this guide:

  • Executive Branch
  • Legislative Branch
  • Judicial Branch

The resources listed on the following pages are excellent places to start, especially if you are looking for: background information or an historical overview of the U.S. Federal Government, databases for finding books and articles about the U.S. Federal Government, or if you are looking for information on open government or declassified documents.

  • Finding Books and Articles

Top Websites About the Government

  • United States Government Manual Organizational charts and descriptions of government agencies, including ceased agencies. Note also the print and govinfo versions.
  • U.S. Federal Government A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies from USA.gov
  • Our Government: The White House Learn how America's federal, state and local governments work to enact the will of the people, and how the President and administration collaborate with the Legislative and Judicial branches to govern the United States.
  • Ben's Guide to U.S. Government (for kids!) Ben’s Guide provides information and activities specifically tailored for educators, parents, and students in K-12. These resources can help teach about our government and how it works.

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Government documents available through the CSU Libraries are fully cataloged in PRIMO. They are shelved under Superintendent of Documents Classification , a separate call number system that's based on federal agency. For example, documents published by the Department of the Interior will be shelved under call numbers beginning with "I".

PRIMO - This is the standard tool to search for books and other materials in the CSU Libraries.

Prospector - Request and delivery system for books, videos and other materials from libraries throughout Colorado. CU Boulder is the Regional Depository Library and has a comprehensive government publications holdings--and these are found in the Prospector catalog.

Interlibrary Loan

Use Interlibrary Loan  to obtain articles and papers from journals and conference proceedings not owned by C.S.U. The service can also be used to obtain books and other materials not available in the C.S.U. Library or through Prospector.

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Good Government Research Paper Topics

Tammy domeier.

Brown wooden bookshelves.jpg

When selecting a government topic for a research project, it is helpful to narrow your topic to a particular government area, such as education or environment, based on your background and interests. If you have a science background, you can use that understanding to your benefit by focusing on topics related to the environment. You may want to do some preliminary research before committing to a topic, to determine whether the scope of the available research will be sufficient to enable you to write a research paper with enough depth.

Explore this article

  • Social Programs
  • Corrections
  • Environment

1 Social Programs

Programs such as welfare, child support, adoption, human trafficking and disaster assistance are some areas that the federal Administration for Children and Families oversees, with actual services provided by state and city government. Possible research topics could include the effects of the Welfare Reform Act of 1996, the federal government’s response to Hurricane Katrina, a comparison of state child abuse laws and the need for stricter government control over labor or sex trafficking.

2 Corrections

Numerous states have passed “three strikes" laws that mandate a life sentence for offenders who commit a serious criminal offense on at least three occasions. Possible research topics could include studying government initiatives aimed at reducing prison costs, the effect on violent crime rates of states that have enacted “three strikes" laws and those that have not, and a comparison of the death row procedures of states that have enacted the death penalty.

3 Environment

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducts environment assessments and research, administers national environmental laws and is responsible for air and water quality. The EPA furthers environmental justice, meaning that it promotes fair treatment of all people regardless of race, color or national origin regarding the development and enforcement of environmental laws. Research topics could include a study of the political obstacles the EPA faces in promoting environmental justice on state levels or a study of air and water quality in poor economic regions.

4 Education

The U.S. Department of Education establishes, distributes and monitors financial aid for education, conducts educational research and is charged with ensuring equal access to education for all people. Research topics could include the effects of standards-based education reform programs such as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, educational benefits for veterans, the costs and benefits of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and an assessment of current government programs supporting education for girls and women.

  • 1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Administration for Children and Families
  • 2 Washington State Archives: Department of Corrections
  • 3 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Environmental Justice
  • 4 ED.gov: About Ed Overview
  • 5 ED.gov: Initiatives

About the Author

Based in Minneapolis, MN, Tammy Domeier began her writing career in 1998, writing user manuals for the commercial printing and graphics industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Minnesota State University at Mankato and a paralegal certificate from Minnesota Paralegal Institute.

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American Government Research Paper

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I. Introduction

Academic writing, editing, proofreading, and problem solving services, get 10% off with 24start discount code, ii. states in the federal system, iii. variety and inequality, iv. state political structures, a. state constitutions, b. governors, c. state legislatures, d. state judicial systems, e. bureaucracy, v. local governments, a. county government, b. municipal government, vi. conclusion.

The study of state and local government is essentially the study of all that is not national government in the United States—the 50 states and the more than 88,000 other subnational units of government from counties to small towns, fire districts, school districts, and water districts. Typically, the study of cities—communities of larger than 50,000 people—is considered a separate realm of inquiry. The distinction among these layers of government has been confounded in recent years with the emergence of the metropolis—such as the so-called BosWash region that encompasses the Northeast corridor from Boston to the nation’s capital and includes all the cities, suburbs, and rural areas in between.

This research paper examines where state and local government sit in the American national political system and then focuses on the internal workings of each level, looking at executives, legislatures, judicial systems, political participation, and policy making.

State governments, and the municipalities within them, preceded the creation of the national government. A drive through the northeastern United States will reveal cities and towns founded in the 1600s and 1700s, long before the 1787 writing of the founding document of the nation in which they sit. Thirteen states were viable political entities at the time of the American Revolution. The states had their own constitutions, forms of government, political processes, political cultures, and political identities. Virginians, New Yorkers, and Pennsylvanians existed long before Americans.

The preexistence of states had a profound impact on the design of the Constitution and continues to shape the operation of American politics today. The president is elected by electoral votes, which are allocated to states. This unique electoral institution determines presidential campaign strategy and, some argue, has an impact on presidential policy making as the president responds to the states that are vote rich. Both chambers of Congress are organized geographically, with Senators originally chosen by state legislators (until the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913, which ushered in direct election) and House members elected from districts within states. The shape of these districts is determined by state legislatures, creating one of the most politically charged elements of American politics, as state legislatures use their line-drawing powers to the benefit of the party that controls that legislature. The Constitution itself can be amended only with the approval of three fifths of the state legislatures, making constitutional change by this method rare indeed.

Clearly, state governments matter a great deal in American politics. The impact of structural elements outlined is enhanced by the constitutional allocation of power between the state and federal governments. Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution allocate certain powers to the national level of government. Many powers and many areas of authority are not mentioned in the provisions and have been, over the course of 220 years of constitutional history, contested terrain between state power and national power. The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, often called the states-rights amendment, asserts that all powers not granted to the national government or denied to the states “are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people” (U.S. Constitution, 1787, Amendment Ten). This reserved-powers clause has been used by state governments with considerable success to fend off national incursion into state sovereignty. In 1997, for example, in Printz v. U.S., the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional a provision of the Brady Bill gun control bill that required local police to conduct background checks for handgun purchases. The Court saw this provision as a violation of the federal division of powers. Also in 1997, a federal district court affirmed the right of the voters of California when they passed Proposition 209 banning affirmative action by public institutions in the state. The proposition is in direct contraction to federal policy but was allowed to stand by the Court. Not all attempts to assert state sovereignty succeed. In 1985, in Garcia v. San Antonio MTA, the Court added to a long line of decisions, beginning with the New Deal, that permitted federal regulation of the conditions of labor for state and local employees, including minimum wage, maximum hours, and the right to unionize.

In the early 21st century, the boundaries between state and federal authority remain unclear. In the area of medical marijuana, for example, at least 14 states have laws that permit the cultivation, distribution, and use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, and several have decriminalized marijuana altogether. However, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, and there have been numerous incidents, notably in California, where medical marijuana dispensaries, operating in a manner consistent with state law, have been shut down by federal authorities. In the 2005 Gonzales v. Raich, the Supreme Court asserted the federal government’s power to prohibit the use of marijuana even for medicinal purposes. This particular federal–state dispute remains active as more states indicate the likelihood of relaxing marijuana laws at the state level.

States remain vibrant, vital sovereign actors in American politics. Constitutional provisions, centuries-old practice, and Supreme Court decision making will ensure that state–federal tension remains a significant dynamic in the system.

One of the frequently cited benefits of an American-style federal system is the variety offered by the existence of 50 sovereign states. From the physical differences between the Alaska tundra and the Hawaiian tropics, to the cultural differences between Utah and Florida, to the economic differences between Mississippi (median household income of $37,700) and Connecticut (median household income of $70,500) and the political differences between Rhode Island (63% voted for Obama) and Wyoming (33% voted for Obama), diversity is an undeniable fact of American life. This diversity provides a number of benefits. It provides an array of opportunities and options for American citizens in terms of economic opportunity and lifestyle choices. Political scientist Daniel Elazar (1984) observed three distinct political cultures in the United States. His successor in the field, Joel Lieske, identified 10 regional subcultures (Bowman & Kearney, 2008). These allow for the prediction of quality of life, business climate, expansiveness of government programming, and other features.

Anyone traveling around the United States can observe differences in speed limits, motorcycle helmet laws, hours of operation of bars, and severity of punishment for crimes (three-strikes laws and the presence of a death penalty). These obvious differences among states are the surface manifestations of the considerable leeway that states have to determine policy agendas.

Many observers note that some of the most significant policy innovations in contemporary American history have begun as experiments at the state level. Welfare-to-work programs, universal health insurance, charter schools, and family leave policies are in this category.

As noted, however, the presence of state autonomy with regard to public policy can produce inequities among Americans that derive from the state in which they live. Federal laws such as the No Child Left Behind Act attempt to mandate a national standard for education. Federal programs such as Food Stamps and Medicaid ensure a base level of benefits to the poor regardless of geography. Even with these programs, there is considerable variation in the funding levels and quality of services from state to state.

Article IV of the U.S. Constitution lays out several rules that must be followed by all states if they are to be members of the union: Each state shall give full faith and credit to the records and documents of every other state, citizens of every state shall have all the privileges and immunities granted to citizens of each state, and every state shall have a republican form of government. Article I, Section 10 prohibits states from doing certain things: coining money, entering into treaties, passing ex post facto laws, among others. Beyond these relatively few requirements, states are free to design their own forms of government.

Although there is some variety from one state to the next in constitutional structures and processes, most states mimic the national level of government, with three branches, checks and balances, regularly scheduled elections, substate units of government with some degree of autonomy, and some set of civil rights and liberties guaranteed to the citizens.

Beyond those basic structural similarities lie significant differences among state constitutions. Massachusetts has the oldest constitution, adopted in 1780. Georgia, on the other hand, adopted a new constitution in 1983 (Saffell & Basehart, 2001). Some constitutions are very long, like Alabama’s with over 340,000 words, some are rather short, like New Hampshire’s with 9,200 words, although none as short as the U.S. Constitution with 8,700 words (Bowman & Kearney, 2008). Most state constitutions are relatively easy to amend, including by popular initiative. In 17 states, the constitution can be amended by majority vote of the legislature. In 18 states, the constitution can be amended by majority vote of the electorate. California’s Proposition 209, noted previously, is one example of this. Thirty-one states have constitutional amendments restricting the definition of marriage to a union between one man and one woman. The result is a proliferation of provisions attached to many state constitutions. In 2002, a provision was added to the Florida constitution that prohibits “cruel and unusual confinement of pigs during pregnancy” (Bowman & Kearney, 2008, p. 59). Seven constitutions have bills of rights that make mention of dueling (Saffell & Basehart, 2001).

One of the most controversial recent uses of the state constitution amendment process has been in the area of gay marriage. In the United States, demands for equal treatment for all citizens regardless of race, gender, religion, age, and disability have been made and resolved, for the most part, at both the state and national levels. Such demands for equality in the matter of sexual orientation are still contested terrain in U.S. politics. Family law is typically the province of state governments, and so the battle about the legality of same-sex marriages is being fought in that arena. Since state courts, state attorneys general, and local town clerks have frequently found no basis in law for denying a marriage license to same-sex couples, many states have responded by defining marriage as between one man and one woman either by statute (in 12 states) or by an amendment to the state constitution (in 29 states). Virtually all of these amendments have been adopted since 2000. Most notably, in California, in November 2008, voters approved Proposition 8, which amended the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. This vote came only months after a California court had ruled same-sex marriage as constitutional in that state. So the voters changed the constitution, redefining the rights of gay Californians (Archibold & Goodnough, 2008). The ease with which many state constitutions can be amended by both legislatures and voters have resulted in some constitutions with hundreds of amendments: South Carolina with 484, California with 848, and Alabama with 1,028. The result is constitutions that are weighed down with anachronistic policy mandates; confusing, overlapping, and conflicting prohibitions; and special protections for groups that have been savvy enough to take advantage of the amendment process.

Starting in the 1960s and continuing to this day, most states have been undertaking a process of constitutional reform to address some of the flaws of these wordy, policy-laden documents. Bowman and Kearney (2008) reveal that between 1960 and 1980, every state altered its constitution to some degree, and 10 states replaced their constitutions completely. The process of reform, which is connected to similar trends in other areas of state government to be discussed in subsequent sections, continues.

The governor is the chief executive of the state, charged with the day-to-day operation of the state. Yet the aversion to executive power that suffuses the national government is present at the state level as well. In early state constitutions, governors were often limited to single terms, or even one-year terms, and had no veto power, no budgeting power, and no appointment power. In some states, the governors themselves were appointed by the legislature. As with the national government, as the states grew more complex, the need for effective executive power became clear. And throughout the 19th century, state legislatures revealed themselves to be prone to corruption, and their oversight of the budget and administration of state government became problematic. The reform movement of the Progressive Era led to some changes in the allocation of power at the state level as governors’ terms were lengthened and many were given the veto power. The first half of the 20th century was a period of little change in state government as the federal government grew rapidly and, with the New Deal, gathered much tax, spending, and programmatic power to Washington, D.C.

Throughout this period, right through the mid-1960s, the mal-apportionment of state legislatures rendered most governors powerless in the face of their legislatures. Virtually all state legislative lines were relics of earlier times, drawn before populations of immigrants and farm workers swelled the size of American cities. So by the early 1960s, state legislatures were dominated by representatives from tiny rural districts. Governors, on the other hand, were elected statewide in response to the needs of the population centers. But without legislative approval, governors were unable to push their policy agendas. In Tennessee, one Charles Baker of Memphis pointed out to the Supreme Court that his district, with its one representative, had 10 times as many people in it as neighboring rural districts. This underrepresentation of urban districts in both state legislatures and the U.S. House of Representatives was ruled a violation of the equal-protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The 1962 Baker v. Carr decision was crucial in the reallocation of power within state legislatures from the rural areas to the population centers and removal of legislative barriers to the governors’ ability to make policy (Weber & Brace, 1999). At the same time, changes at the federal level were pushing more decision-making authority and some money down to the state level.

Starting in the 1970s with President Nixon’s New Federalism and continuing on through Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, the so-called devolution revolution redesigned federal programs by loosening up guidelines on how federal grant money could be spent at the state level. Categorical grants in which Congress determined the shape of programs were redesigned as block grants in which governors could choose how to spend the federal dollars within loose national guidelines. Governors became important policy actors with dramatically enhanced responsibility for program design and implementation.

Again, the formal powers of a governor vary from state to state, but it is the case that the overall status and importance of the governorship has been dramatically enhanced since the founding of the American republic. The significance of the office can be seen by the number of governors who have gone on to become presidents in recent years—Carter, Reagan, Clinton, and George W. Bush—and the number of governors (four) who have been tapped to serve in the Obama administration—Vilsack of Iowa at the Department of Agriculture, Locke of Washington at the Department of Commerce, Sebelius of Kansas at the Department of Health and Human Services, and Napolitano of Arizona at the Department of Homeland Security.

Because governors are both politicians and administrators, with a wide range of policy areas as their responsibility, and are on duty in their states around the clock, they are seen by many experts as more likely to be better prepared for the presidency than are members of Congress. Most scholars agree that today’s governors are the following:

better educated, more experienced in state government and more competent than their predecessors. Never before has the strength and policy influence of the governors been surpassed. . . . The governors have displayed greater capability and vigor than ever before. (Bowman & Kearney, 2008, p. 195)

As with governors, its is difficult to generalize about state legislatures except to say that most are part-time, all but one are bicameral, and all serve the functions of representation, legislation, and oversight of the executive branch (Bowman & Kearney, 2008). The National Council of State Legislatures has divided states into categories based on length of session. Red states have legislatures that are in session for at least 80% of the work year. Those serving in these bodies earn a salary that allows them to be full-time legislators. It is clear that larger states, with complex policy needs, fall into this category. In 2006, a California legislator earned $110,000, while a legislator serving in New Hampshire earned $200.

In terms of processes, state legislatures work much the same way that the U.S. Congress does. Members are elected from districts and must attend to the needs of their constituents. Yet they must also participate in the making of state policy by serving on committees, writing and voting on legislation, and interacting with the governor and the state bureaucracy. As with the governor, as demands put on states have increased since the 1960s, many state legislatures have become increasingly professionalized by adding staff, lengthening sessions, and raising salaries. In some states, this had led to the same kind of incumbency effects that exist at the national level as some legislators hold on to their seats for decades. In reaction to this, throughout the 1990s, voters in 15 states adopted initiatives that limited state legislatures’ terms in some ways. Term limits in the state legislatures were expected to bring in new blood, eliminate entrenched interests, and make the body more representative of minority groups in the population that had been locked out by incumbents. According to several studies, however, term limits in state legislatures have produced a slower-working institution, a stronger governor, more influential interest groups, and term-limited legislators who are less, not more, responsive to constituents. Further, there has been no measurable increase in the representation of underrepresented groups in state houses.

What is clear is that important policy decisions are made in state capitals. Political scientists must attend to the analytical and decision-making capacity of both governors and state legislatures. The challenges facing state governments are enormous since many face large deficits, job losses, crumbling infrastructure, flawed education systems, and other major policy problems. Is the capacity to address these problems present in the states? The answer to that question will be revealed in the early decades of the 21st century.

State courts process 100 million cases a year, which is 99% of all the cases heard in American courts (cited in Weber & Brace, 1999). Clearly it is state courts that are the heart of the U.S. judicial system. As with governors and state legislatures, state courts have changed significantly over the past 40 years, professionalizing and reforming to enhance their efficiency and legitimacy. State courts deal with a wide range of issues that affect the daily lives of all Americans: family law, traffic law, property disputes, debt collection, and criminal law. State courts are also usually the first to look at cases that can have monumental constitutional import, from whether to allow prayer in public schools to the appropriateness of race-based admissions in state law schools to whether local governments can seize private property for economic development purposes.

As with legislatures and executives, there is considerable variability among the structures and processes of state judicial systems. Some states have multiple types of courts, some have elected judges, some have mandatory sentencing, others have three-strikes laws, and still others have considerable judicial discretion regarding the disposition of cases.

One of the major structural features that distinguish one state court system from the next is the method for selecting judges. For many years, starting with Mississippi in 1832 and continuing throughout the 19th century as new states entered the union, the judicial selection process of choice was election by the state legislature or by election of the voters. Both of these methods came under criticism during the Progressive Era as reformers voiced concern about the ability of elected judges in particular to have the qualifications, objectivity, and accountability to make sound judicial findings. In 1937, the American Bar Association introduced and endorsed the Missouri Plan, which involved a judicial nominating commission recommending judicial nominees to the governor. The governor would then appoint those recommended (should he choose to); the appointees would take office and then be ratified by the voters in a so-called retention vote at the next regularly scheduled election. Twenty-three states use some form of this method (not always including the retention vote), 22 continue to use elections, and 5 use pure gubernatorial appointment. As with the trends in constitutional, executive, and legislative reform, state judiciaries have followed a pattern of increasing professionalism and modernization (Bowman & Kearney, 2008).

One of the characteristics of state government that does not mimic federal government is the so-called long ballot, which provides for the election of numerous statewide officials, who, at the federal level, would be appointed by the executive. This feature is a reflection of the early suspicion of executive power, and despite numerous attempts at reform, it has remained an element of most state governments. So the heads of major state departments—the attorney general, the state treasurer, and the commissioner of education—are often elected by the voters and immune to gubernatorial control. Although this allows for greater responsiveness to the public, it does create opportunities for gridlock or redundancy in policy making.

State bureaucracies and their counterparts at the local level are the agencies that delivery virtually all public goods and services, from education to transportation to policing, parks, waste management, and water supplies. The precise form of this service-delivery mechanism varies significantly from state to state, with some states relying on strong county government structures to deliver most services and others relying on local governments at the point where the rubber meets the road. Some states are complex systems of elected or appointed boards and commissions to advise on or make policies, while others are not. In 2008, state governments employ about 3.8 million (down from 4.6 million people in 1992). Of these, 1.2 million work in higher education, 477,000 in corrections, and 377,000 in corrections (U.S. Census, 2009). In the last half of the 20th century, the functions of government have become more complex, and the devolution revolution has shifted responsibility for delivering services from the federal government to the states. Along with these developments has come increased attention to the need for efficiency and transparency in the delivery of state services. As with governors and legislatures, state bureaucracies have, over the course of the past several decades, undergone a wave of reform and professionalization. One of the elements of reform has been consolidation. In 1993, for example, South Carolina reduced the number of state agencies from 79 to 17 and eliminated many boards and commissions (Saffell & Basehart, 2001). Many states have adopted some form of performance budgeting, in which agencies’ budgets are tied to the quality of services delivered. Some states have looked to privatization of some services as a means of improving service delivery and saving money. And virtually all state governments have moved in significant ways into so-called e-government, eliminating much of the paperwork and waiting lines that had been the source of public frustration at such agencies as motor vehicle registries and public assistance agencies.

Each year, Governing magazine, in collaboration with the Pew Center on the States, grades the 50 states on their performance in four areas of public management: budgeting, personnel management, infrastructure, and management of information. Detailed reports on the management strengths and weaknesses of each state reveal dramatic differences in administrative efficiency, modernization, citizen satisfaction, and quality of services delivered. The three states receiving the highest overall grade (A−) in 2008 are Utah, Virginia, and Washington. The two states at the bottom are Rhode Island (C−) and New Hampshire (D+). Students of state politics and public management can find a wealth of information and much fodder for future research in these reports (Pew Center on the States, 2008).

There are 88,000 units of local government in the United States. Of these, 3,033 are county governments. The size and functions of counties vary dramatically from state to state. Counties employ 2 million employees nationwide and range in size from 6 square miles (Arlington County, Virginia) to 87,000 square miles (North Slope Borough, Alaska) and population from 67 residents in Loving County, Texas, to 9.5 million residents in Los Angeles County, California. In Rhode Island and Connecticut, counties exist as lines on a map but nothing else. Virginia relies on counties to deliver most educational services in the state, while New Hampshire uses county governments to deliver most public welfare services. Counties are particularly important units of government in rural areas where residents may live in areas that have not been incorporated into a city or town. For these citizens, county government is their primary contact point for all public goods and services. In keeping with the movement to reform government at the state and local levels, many states are examining their county governments with an eye to consolidation and streamlining. In California, for example, the legislature considered a proposal to consolidate the state’s 58 counties into seven regional supergovernments. The bill did not pass, but it is an indication of current thinking about the place of county governments in the United States (Bowman & Kearney, 2008).

According to the U.S. Census (2009), in 2008, there were 19,492 municipal governments in the United States, 16,519 town governments, 13,051 school districts, and 37,381 special district governments. Combined employment in this sector was 14.2 million people. Again, the primary characteristic of municipal government is diversity. The United States Constitution was silent on the question of local governments, leaving to the states to determine how citizens would be represented and services delivered in their states. Virtually all states have some version of home rule, in which cities and towns are granted some degree of autonomy over their own affairs. There is, however, a long tradition of state interference with local affairs that has been enshrined in Dillon’s rule, expounded by Iowa judge John Dillon is 1868, which states that local governments have only those powers explicitly granted to them by the state government. Although this is contrary to the Jeffersonian principle that the most desirable form of government is that which is closest to the people, it is the guiding tenet of state–local relations to this day (Bowman & Kearney, 2008).

Municipal governments can take several forms. Larger cities in the Northeast and Midwest tend to organize according to the strong mayor–council form of government, which mimics the state and federal models. Mayors are elected citywide and are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the city. City councils are typically part-time and responsible for enacting legislation, including the budget, connecting with the residents (since the council is usually elected from wards, or districts, in the city), and exercising oversight of mayoral activities. Smaller communities often use the council–manager form of government in which the town council is elected, either at large or from districts, and is very part-time with limited powers. The council appoints the town manager, or administrator, who is a professionally trained (in the best case) public manager. He or she has authority over all town departments and is responsible for the daily operation of the town.

Most local governments also have a number of special-purpose districts or authorities. These bodies are usually governed by an elected board that oversees an appointed professional executive. Education, sewers, bridges and tunnels, fire service, ports, airports, libraries, and many other service areas can be operated by these commissions. The commissions are often formed to extract the policy area from the control of the town government for reasons of efficiency or to deliver a service that involves multiple jurisdictions. These districts have been criticized in recent years for lack of transparency and accountability and redundancy of services.

The proper way to organize municipal government and deliver local services is not a settled matter. Students of political science and public administration can find many intriguing questions in this area of inquiry. The local level is the place where citizens have the most frequent and most direct contact with their government. It is also the level where political scientists have the best access for research and where those who wish to combine theory and practice can most easily do so. Much can be learned about the dynamics of elections, the operations of bureaucracy, the nature of executive power, best and worst practices in public policy from observation, and analysis of those units of government close to where we live.

Because of the extraordinary diversity in political structures, processes, and policies from state to state and municipality to municipality, comparative analysis is easy to do and bears significant fruit for the student of government.

Although there is only one national government in the United States and that receives the lion’s share of attention from political scientists and the media, there are 50 state and approximately 88,000 local units of government. The existence of these state and local governments is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and in American political culture. Their existence provides an impediment to effective national policy making and an opportunity for diversity and experimentation at the state and local levels. Their existence provides a multitude of arenas for public participation in politics and close-up observation of the processes and politics of governance. Students of political science can learn much about executive power from studying governors, much about legislative power from studying city councils, and much about grassroots activism from studying campaigns for mayor or the multitude of local policy initiatives that appear on ballots at election time. Recent commitments to transparency, the recent trends in e-government, and the physical proximity of the units of government provide ready access to the researcher. These so-called laboratories of democracy are also laboratories for the discipline.

Bibliography :

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  • Bowman, A., & Kearney, R. (2008). State and local government (7th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
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Balance of Federal Government’s and State’s Power Research Paper

Since the Civil War, the balance of power between the federal government and the states has undergone significant changes. The Union’s triumph in the war resulted in the eradication of slavery and the ratification of the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution (Diffley, 2020; OU IACH, 2013). These amendments empowered the federal government to uphold civil rights and safeguard individual liberties despite state resistance. Today, the federal government wields substantial influence in numerous domains of public policy, encompassing healthcare, education, environmental regulation, and national security. Although there exist instances where the federal government has exceeded its authority, its involvement has been crucial in safeguarding individual rights and promoting a more just allocation of resources and opportunities.

Furthermore, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the tension between federal and state authorities. Zhang and Warner (2020) highlighted on policy differences across states, from lockdowns to mask mandates. The Tenth Amendment states that the federal government specifically holds the power delegated by the Constitution. Some hold the belief that the federal government’s power should be limited, granting greater autonomy to states in determining their policies and laws (OU IACH, 2013). This perspective is typically linked to conservative and libertarian political viewpoints that emphasize individual freedom and minimal government intervention. Conversely, others contend that federalism is crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy (OU IACH, 2013). The viewpoint is related to progressive political ideologies that prioritize social justice and equality.

In summary, the power balance between the federal government and states has been shaped by diverse political ideologies and historical events. Before the Civil War, states held more power and were viewed as sovereign entities with distinct rights and duties. However, the growth of the national economy and increased interdependence of states led to a shift towards federal authority. Nevertheless, maintaining an appropriate power balance necessitates adherence to Constitutional and legal precedent. Overall, it is crucial to ensure that decisions made by the states and federal government are guided by a dedication to democratic principles, equality, and justice.

Diffley, K. (2020). Where my heart is turning ever: Civil War stories and Constitutional reform, 1861-1876 . University of Georgia Press. Web.

OU IACH. (2013). Federalism & the Constitution: The 17th Amendment [Video]. YouTube. Web.

Zhang, X., & Warner, M. E. (2020). COVID-19 Policy Differences across US States: Shutdowns, reopening, and mask mandates . International journal of environmental research and public health , 17 (24), 9520. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2024, February 22). Balance of Federal Government's and State's Power. https://ivypanda.com/essays/balance-of-federal-governments-and-states-power/

"Balance of Federal Government's and State's Power." IvyPanda , 22 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/balance-of-federal-governments-and-states-power/.

IvyPanda . (2024) 'Balance of Federal Government's and State's Power'. 22 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "Balance of Federal Government's and State's Power." February 22, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/balance-of-federal-governments-and-states-power/.

1. IvyPanda . "Balance of Federal Government's and State's Power." February 22, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/balance-of-federal-governments-and-states-power/.

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IvyPanda . "Balance of Federal Government's and State's Power." February 22, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/balance-of-federal-governments-and-states-power/.

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  • Primary Sources Relevant to Prejudice in Modern Society

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Research, Studies & Reports

The Federal Acquisition Institute promotes and coordinates government wide research and studies to improve the procurement process and the laws, policies, methods, regulations, procedures, and forms relating to acquisition by the executive agencies [41 U.S.C. 405(d)(5)(b)]. 

Additional information may be found in the  Governance  that guides FAI's operations.

Acquisition Research

FAI has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with George Washington University's (GWU) Government Procurement Law and Master of Science in Government Contracts (MSGC) programs. The MOU facilitates collaboration on the development and promotion of acquisition research on a variety of topics. This partnership contributes to an increase in learning and development as well as promotes innovation to increase efficiencies in current acquisition processes and practices. As acquisition research papers developed by law and graduate students become available, they will be posted below:

The Underemployment Impact of the HUBZone Employee Definition Rule

Author: Robert York-Westbrook

Disclaimer: The information and opinions expressed within these GWU acquisition research papers do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of FAI, GSA, or any Federal government entity. FAI assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the content provided, and FAI does not endorse these papers, the author(s), or GWU. For information on specifics pertaining to the documents, we will direct you to GWU and/or the student author.

Certification Reports

January 17, 2007: FAI Working Group Report FAC-P/PM Certification report

This report presented by FAI in consultation with the Chief Acquisition Officers (CAO) Council, the Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council, the Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Council, the Chief Human Capital Officers Council (CHCO), the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and other government and non-government organizations, reflects recommendations for establishing the Federal Acquisition Certification for Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM) Program.

December 2005: Report on Contracting Officer Technical Representatives (COTRs)  was issued by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) in May 2006.

"Contracting Officer Technical Representatives: Managing the Government's Technical Experts to Achieve Positive Contract Outcomes" provides findings and recommendations based on a survey of COTRs from 10 agencies that spent 90 percent of the Government's contracting dollars. These highly experienced COTRs provide a compelling and authoritative perspective on contracting and on how they can be better managed to ensure positive contract outcomes in terms of the quality, timeliness, completeness, and cost of contract deliverables.

Human Capital Reports

February 7, 2017: GS-1102 Workforce Mobility Study

There is a higher rate of transition among GS-1102s compared to other government-wide workforce occupational series. Through the GS-1102 Workforce Mobility Study, FAI sought to investigate potential root causes and to provide insight into the trends and potential drivers of GS-1102 transfers. Additionally, this study explored the potential benefits and challenges to having a transferable, and highly mobile government-wide GS-1102 workforce. In conjunction with additional research, the findings of this study could help agency and government-wide leaders more effectively manage a highly skilled and qualified acquisition workforce.

Annual Workforce Reports

Competency Reports/Evaluations

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OSTP Issues Guidance to Make Federally Funded Research Freely Available Without   Delay

Today, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) updated U.S. policy guidance to make the results of taxpayer-supported research immediately available to the American public at no cost. In a memorandum to federal departments and agencies, Dr. Alondra Nelson, the head of OSTP, delivered guidance for agencies to update their public access policies as soon as possible to make publications and research funded by taxpayers publicly accessible, without an embargo or cost. All agencies will fully implement updated policies, including ending the optional 12-month embargo, no later than December 31, 2025.

This policy will likely yield significant benefits on a number of key priorities for the American people, from environmental justice to cancer breakthroughs, and from game-changing clean energy technologies to protecting civil liberties in an automated world.

For years, President Biden has been committed to delivering policy based on the best available science, and to working to ensure the American people have access to the findings of that research. “Right now, you work for years to come up with a significant breakthrough, and if you do, you get to publish a paper in one of the top journals,” said then-Vice President Biden in remarks to the American Association for Cancer Research in 2016. “For anyone to get access to that publication, they have to pay hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to subscribe to a single journal. And here’s the kicker — the journal owns the data for a year. The taxpayers fund $5 billion a year in cancer research every year, but once it’s published, nearly all of that taxpayer-funded research sits behind walls. Tell me how this is moving the process along more rapidly.” The new public access guidance was developed with the input of multiple federal agencies over the course of this year, to enable progress on a number of Biden-Harris Administration priorities.

“When research is widely available to other researchers and the public, it can save lives, provide policymakers with the tools to make critical decisions, and drive more equitable outcomes across every sector of society,” said Dr. Alondra Nelson, head of OSTP . “The American people fund tens of billions of dollars of cutting-edge research annually. There should be no delay or barrier between the American public and the returns on their investments in research.”

This policy update builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader efforts to broaden the potential of the American innovation ecosystem by leveling the playing field for all American innovators, which can help ensure that the U.S. remains a world leader in science and technology. This policy guidance will end the current optional embargo that allows scientific publishers to put taxpayer-funded research behind a subscription-based paywall – which may block access for innovators for whom the paywall is a barrier, even barring scientists and their academic institutions from access to their own research findings. In addition, agencies will develop plans to improve transparency, including clearly disclosing authorship, funding, affiliations, and the development status of federally funded research – and will coordinate with OSTP to help ensure equitable delivery of federally funded research results and data.

Advocates, researchers, academic libraries, Congressional leaders, and others have long called for greater public access to federally funded research results. This policy update reflects extensive public engagement with stakeholders across the research publication ecosystem on ways to strengthen equitable access to federally funded research results. OSTP’s consultations have included large and small science and academic publishers, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, libraries and universities, scholarly societies, and members of the general public.

In the short-term, agencies will work with OSTP to update their public access and data sharing plans by mid-2023. OSTP expects all agencies to have updated public access policies fully implemented by the end of 2025. This timeline gives agencies, researchers, publishers, and scholarly societies some flexibility on when to adapt to the new policies. Over the long term, OSTP will continue to coordinate with federal agencies to ensure that government public access policies adapt to new technologies and emerging needs.

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Research Our Records

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Research by Federal Government Organization

  • Presidential Materials
  • Congressional record groups
  • Executive agency record groups
  • Federal court record groups

Introduction

This page provides a list of Federal Government organizations linked to descriptions of their records in the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The descriptions are based on the Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of the United States , 1995 edition, and are arranged by branch of government (Congress, Federal Courts, executive agencies) and, thereafter, alphabetically by agency name. Each description corresponds to a National Archives record group .

The National Archives acquires, preserves, and makes available for research records of enduring value created or received by organizations of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Federal Government. Records in the custody of the National Archives date from pre-federal times to the present. Most of the records are textual, but they can come in a wide variety of media. Records may be microfilm, maps and charts, architectural and engineering plans, aerial photographs, motion picture reels, video recordings, sound recordings, computer data sets, or still pictures.

A large portion of these records is housed in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, and the National Archives at College Park, MD. However, since 1969 the National Archives has managed a system of regional archives that hold valuable federal records of regional origin and significance. Federal records may also be found in each of the Presidential libraries managed by the National Archives and in a few non-National Archives repositories that, by special agreement with the Archivist of the United States, are affiliated participants in the federal archival network.

Use the "find" or "search" function on your web-browser to locate the organizations of interest to you. If you are not sure of the official titles of the organizations, enter an appropriate key word instead. For example, a search of "trade" will pull up such various organizations as the International Court of Trade, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Foreign Trade.

The title of the record group includes the name of the agency responsible for creating or receiving the records in the record group. The dates shown are the beginning date of the earliest and the ending date of the latest series described in the chapter.

The National Archives Catalog also provides detailed descriptions for records from a variety of record groups.

Congressional Record Groups (arranged alphabetically)

The records of Congress are kept in the National Archives by the Center for Legislative Archives . Most of these records remain in the ownership of the U.S. Congress and have unique rules of access.

  • Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), RG 519
  • Exposition, Anniversary, and Memorial Commissions (1928-70), RG 148
  • General Accounting Office (1920-1989) RG 411
  • Government Accountability Office (previously the General Accounting Office), RG 411
  • Government Printing Office (1847-1939), RG 149
  • House of Representatives, US (1789-), RG 233
  • Joint Committees of Congress (1789-), RG 128
  • Senate, US (1789-), RG 46
  • Temporary National Economic Committee (1938-41), RG 144
  • US Government, Publications of the (1790-1979), RG 287

Federal Court Record Groups (arranged alphabetically)

  • Administrative Office of the United States Courts (1940-76), RG 116
  • Commerce Court, US (1911-13), RG 172
  • Court of Appeals, US (1891-1983), RG 276
  • Court of Claims, US (1835-1958), RG 123
  • District Courts of the United States (1685-1991), RG 21
  • Supreme Court of the United States (1772-1990), RG 267
  • Tax Court, US (1924-68), RG 308

Executive Agency Record Groups (arranged alphabetically)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

  • Accounting Officers of the Department of the Treasury (1775-1927), RG 217
  • Accounts (Treasury), Bureau of (1775-1973), RG 39
  • ACTION (1964-89), RG 362
  • Adjutant General's Office (1780's-1917), RG 94
  • Adjutant General's Office (1917-), RG 407
  • Aeronautics, Bureau of (1911-65), RG 72
  • Agricultural and Industrial Chemistry, Bureau of (1862-1962), RG 97
  • Agricultural Cooperative Service (1948-51), RG 314
  • Agricultural Economics, Bureau of (1876-1959), RG 83
  • Agricultural Engineering, Bureau of (1894-1941), RG 8
  • Agricultural Marketing Service (1887-1968), RG 136
  • Agricultural Research Service (1906-79), RG 310
  • Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (1904-78), RG 145
  • Agriculture, Office of the Secretary of (1839-1981), RG 16
  • Air Force (Air Staff), Headquarters US (1934-89), RG 341
  • Air Force, Office of the Secretary of the (1928-66), RG 340
  • Air Force Commands, Activities, and Organizations, US (1900-85), RG 342
  • Alaska Railroad (1933-68), RG 322
  • Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (1929-90), RG 511
  • Alien Property, Office of (1878-1965), RG 131
  • Allied Operational and Occupation Headquarters, World War II (1956-70, 1975-81), RG 331
  • Allied Purchasing Commission (1914-1919), RG 113
  • American Battle Monuments Commission (1918-69), RG 117
  • American Commission for the Protection and Salvage of Artistic and Historical Monuments in War Areas (1942-47), RG 239
  • American Commission to Negotiate Peace (1914-31), RG 256
  • American Expeditionary Forces (World War I) (1848-1928), RG 120
  • American Revolution Bicentennial Administration (1966-77), RG 452
  • American Samoa, Government of (1900-66), RG 284
  • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (1868-1981), RG 463
  • Animal Industry, Bureau of 1864-1953), RG 17
  • Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (1962-82), US, RG 383
  • Armed Forces Retirement Home, US (1803-1943), RG 231
  • Army, Headquarters of the (1828-1903), RG 108
  • Army, Office of the Secretary of the (1903-80), RG 335
  • Army Air Forces (1903-64), RG 18
  • Army Coast Artillery Districts and Defenses, US, 1901-1942 (1901-50), RG 392
  • Army Commands, US, 1784-1821, RG 98
  • Army Operational, Tactical, and Support Organizations (World War II and Thereafter), US, 1942- (1917-93), RG 338
  • Army Continental Commands, US, 1821-1920 (1817-1940), RG 393
  • Army Continental Commands, US, 1920-1942 (1871-1945), RG 394
  • Army Ground Forces, Headquarters (1916-54), RG 337
  • Army Overseas Operations and Commands, US, 1898-1942 (1870-1942), RG 395
  • Army Service Forces, Headquarters (1939-46), RG 160
  • Army Staff (1903-92), RG 319
  • Atomic Energy Commission (1923-75), RG 326
  • Attorneys and Marshals, US (1821-1980), RG 118
  • Bituminous Coal Consumers' Counsel, Office of the (1935-43), RG 223
  • Bituminous Coal Division (1937-43), RG 222
  • Bonneville Power Administration (1936-71), RG 305
  • Boundary and Claims Commissions and Arbitrations (1716-1979), RG 76
  • Bush presidency (1989-93), see Presidential Materials
  • Capital Issues Committee (1917-19), RG 158
  • Carter presidency (1977-81), see Presidential Materials
  • Censorship, Office of ((1934-45), RG 216
  • Census, Bureau of the (1790-1990), RG 29
  • Central Intelligence Agency (1894-1986), RG 263
  • Chaplains, Office of the Chief of (1902-64), RG 247
  • Chemical Warfare Service (1917-63), RG 175
  • Chiefs of Arms (1878-1943), RG 177
  • Children's Bureau (1908-69), RG 102
  • Civil Aeronautics Board (1931-84), RG 197
  • Civil and Defense Mobilization, Office of (1947-62), RG 304
  • Civil Rights, Commission on (1957-78), RG 453
  • Civil Service Commission, US (1871-1981), RG 146
  • Civil War Special Agencies of the Treasury Department (1861-68), RG 366
  • Civilian Conservation Corps (1928-53), RG 35
  • Civilian Defense, Office of (1940-45), RG 171
  • Coal Commission, US (1896-1927), RG 68
  • Coast and Geodetic Survey (1807-1965), RG 23
  • Coast Guard, US(1785-1988), RG 26
  • Commerce, General Records of the Department of (1898-1982), RG 40
  • Commissary General of Prisoners (1861-1905), RG 249
  • Commissary General of Subsistence, Office of the (1818-1913), RG 192
  • Commodity Credit Corporation (1933-88), RG 161
  • Commodity Futures Trading Commission (1886-1975), RG 180
  • Community Services Administration (1963-81), RG 381
  • Community War Services, Office of (1940-48), RG 215
  • Comptroller of the Currency, Office of the (1863-1981), RG 101
  • Confederate Records, Treasury Department Collection of (1833-78), RG 365
  • Confederate Records, War Department Collection of (1825-1900), RG 109
  • Congested Production Areas, Committee for (1943-45), RG 212
  • Consumer Product Safety Commission (1963-84), RG 424
  • Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention (1765-1821), RG 360
  • Contract Settlement, Office of (1941-55), RG 246
  • Cooperative State Research Service (1888-1989), RG 164
  • Council of Economic Advisers (1969-77), RG 459
  • Council of National Defense (1915-37), RG 62
  • Court of Claims Section (Justice) (1793-1947), RG 205
  • Court of International Trade, US (1890-1977), RG 321
  • Cuba, Military Government of (1898-1903), RG 140
  • Cuba, Provisional Government of (1906-09), RG 199
  • Customs Service, US (1745-1982), RG 36
  • Dairy Industry (1907-56), Bureau of, RG 152
  • Defense, Office of the Secretary of (1921-94), RG 330
  • Defense Civil Preparedness Agency (1947-79), RG 397
  • Defense Electric Power Administration (1950-53), RG 327
  • Defense Intelligence Agency (1920-84), RG 373
  • Defense Mapping Agency (1972-86), RG 456
  • Defense Nuclear Agency (1943-62), RG 374
  • Defense Transportation, Office of (1934-52), RG 219
  • Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for (1921-80), RG 442
  • Displaced Persons Commission (1948-52), RG 278
  • District of Columbia, Government of the (1791-1978), RG 351
  • Dominican Customs Receivership (1905-41), RG 139
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (1915-40, 1973-80), RG 170
  • Economic Analysis, Bureau of (1944-89), RG 375
  • Economic Development Administration (1961-81), RG 378
  • Economic Research Service (1934-78), RG 354
  • Economic Stabilization Agency, General Records of the (1950-53), RG 296
  • Economic Stabilization Programs, 1971-1974, RG 432
  • Education, General Records of the Department of (1967-85), RG 441
  • Education, Office of (1870-1979), RG 12
  • Eisenhower presidency (1953-61), see Presidential Materials
  • Emergency Management, Office for (1940-44), RG 214
  • Emergency Preparedness, Office of (1951-73), RG 396
  • Employment and Training Administration (1948-86), RG 369
  • Employment Security, Office of (1907-68), RG 183
  • Employment Standards Administration, General Records of the (1977-79), RG 448
  • Energy, General Records of the Department of (1915-92), RG 434
  • Energy Research and Development Administration (1966-77), RG 430
  • Engineers, Office of the Chief of (1789-1988), RG 77
  • Engraving and Printing, Bureau of (1862-1966), RG 318
  • Entomology and Plant Quarantine, Bureau of (1863-1956), RG 7
  • Environmental Protection Agency (1944-89), RG 412
  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (1966-91), RG 403
  • Executive Branch of the Government, Commissions on Organization of the (1947-55), RG 264
  • Executive Office of the President, Organizations in the (1863-1956), RG 429
  • Export-Import Bank of the United States (1933-75), RG 275
  • Extension Service (1888-1966), RG 33
  • Fair Employment Practice, Committee on (1940-46), RG 228
  • Farm Credit Administration (1913-81), RG 103
  • Records of the Farm Service Agency (1904-78), RG 145
  • Farmers Home Administration (1918-75), RG 96
  • Federal Aviation Administration (1922-81), RG 237
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (1896-1993), RG 65
  • Federal Communications Commission (1875-1973), RG 173
  • Federal Coordinator of Transportation (1930-37), RG 133
  • Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (1936-58), RG 258
  • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (1920-88), RG 34
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (1956-70, 1975-81), RG 311
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (1917-88), RG 138
  • Federal Fuel Distributor (1922-23), RG 89
  • Federal Highway Administration (1956-89), RG 406
  • Federal Home Loan Bank Board (1933-74), RG 195
  • Federal Housing Administration (1930-65), RG 31
  • Federal Maritime Commission (1950-60), RG 358
  • Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (1913-69), RG 280
  • Federal National Mortgage Association (1938-54), RG 294
  • Federal Property Resources Service (1944-73), RG 291
  • Federal Railroad Administration (1910-64), RG 399
  • Federal Reserve System (1913-86), RG 82
  • Federal Supply Service (1909-79), RG 137
  • Federal Trade Commission (1903-79), RG 122
  • Federal Water Pollution Control Administration (1948-68), RG 382
  • Federal Works Agency (1930-50), RG 162
  • Finance (Army), Office of the Chief of (1792-1942), RG 203
  • Fine Arts, Commission of (1893-1981), RG 66
  • Fish and Wildlife Service (1868-1989), US, RG 22
  • Food Administration, US(1917-1920), RG 4
  • Food and Consumer Services (1916-88), RG 462
  • Food and Drug Administration (1877-1977), RG 88
  • Ford presidency (1974-77), see Presidential Materials
  • Foreign Agricultural Service (1901-76), RG 166
  • Foreign and Domestic Commerce, Bureau of (1904-63), RG 151
  • Foreign Assets Control, Office of (1941-46), RG 265
  • Foreign Assistance Agencies, US, 1948-1961, RG 469
  • Foreign Broadcast Intelligence Service (1940-47), RG 262
  • Foreign Claims Section (War) (1917-40), RG 213
  • Foreign Economic Administration (1939-47), RG 169
  • Foreign Records Seized, National Archives Collection of (1675-1983), RG 242
  • Foreign Service Posts of the Department of State (1788-1964), RG 84
  • Forest Service (1870-1989), RG 95
  • Fuel Administration, US (1917-20), RG 67
  • General Services Administration, General Records of the (1922-89), RG 269
  • Geographic Names, Board on (1890-1986), RG 324
  • Geological Survey, US (1839-1990), RG 57
  • Government Contract Compliance, Committee on (1952-53), RG 325
  • Government Reports, Office of (1932-47), RG 44
  • Grain Corporation, US (1906-37), RG 5
  • Health, Office of the Assistant Secretary for (1950-72, 1984-88), RG 514
  • Health Care Policy and Research, Agency for (1968-87), RG 510
  • Health, Education, and Welfare, General Records of the Department of (1935-78), RG 235
  • Health Resources and Services Administration (1935-93), RG 512
  • Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service (1946-72), RG 368
  • High Commissioner for Germany, US (1944-55), RG 466
  • Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS)/Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) Division (1928-93), RG 515
  • Hoover presidency (1929-33), see Presidential Materials
  • Housing and Urban Development, General Records of the Department of (1931-87), RG 207
  • Housing Corporation, US (1917-52), RG 3
  • Housing Expediter, Office of the (1941-53), RG 252
  • Human Nutrition and Home Economics, Bureau of (1904-60), RG 176
  • Hydrographic Office (1754-1971), RG 37
  • Immigration and Naturalization Service (1787-1983), RG 85
  • Inaugural Committees, Presidential (1933-89), RG 274
  • Independent Counsels (1970-89), RG 449
  • Indian Affairs, Bureau of 1793-1989, RG 75
  • Indian Arts and Crafts Board (1929-88), RG 435
  • Indian Claims Commission (1946-83), RG 279
  • Indian Health Service (1955-69), RG 513
  • Information Agency, US (1900-88), RG 306
  • Information Resources Management Service (1957-78), RG 352
  • Inland Waterways Corporation (1918-54), RG 91
  • Inspector General (Army), Office of the (1814-1962), RG 159
  • Insular Affairs, Bureau of (1868-1945), RG 350
  • Interagency Committees and Councils Coordinating Water Use Programs (1938-81), RG 315
  • Inter-American Affairs, Office of (1937-51), RG 229
  • Interdepartmental and Intradeparmental Committees (State Department) (1917-81), RG 353
  • Interior, Office of the Secretary of the (1826-1981), RG 48
  • Internal Revenue Service (1791-1984), RG 58
  • International Conferences, Commissions, and Expositions (1825-1972), RG 43
  • International Development, Agency for (1948-89), RG 286
  • International Military Agencies (1941-81), RG 333
  • International Trade Administration (1910-84), RG 489
  • International Trade Commission, US (1882-1971), RG 81
  • Interservice Agencies (1916-73), RG 334
  • Interstate Commerce Commission (1887-1979), RG 134
  • Investigation and Research--Transportation, Board of (1940-44), RG 198
  • Joint Army and Navy Boards and Committees (1903-47), RG 225
  • Joint Chiefs of Staff, US (1941-78), RG 218
  • Joint Commands (1945-66), RG 349
  • Judge Advocate General (Army), Office of the (1692-1981), RG 153
  • Judge Advocate General (Navy), Office of the (1799-1943), RG 125
  • Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (1968-83), RG 482
  • Justice, General Records of the Department of (1790-1989), RG 60
  • Kennedy presidency (1961-63), see Presidential Materials
  • Labor, General Records of the Department of (1907-86), RG 174
  • Labor (War Food Administration), Office of (1941-47), RG 224
  • Labor-Management Services Administration (1956-85), RG 317
  • Labor Statistics, Bureau of (1885-1981), RG 257
  • Land Management, Bureau of (1685-1989), RG 49
  • Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (1967-77), RG 423
  • Management and Budget, Office of (1905-80), RG 51
  • Marine Corps, US(1775-1971), RG 127
  • Marine Inspection and Navigation, Bureau of (1774-1973), RG 41
  • Maritime Administration (1939-76), RG 357
  • Maritime Commission, US(1917-50), RG 178
  • Maritime Labor Board (1938-42), RG 157
  • Medicine and Surgery, Bureau of (1812-1975), RG 52
  • Merit Systems Protection Board (1812-1975), RG 479
  • Military Academy, US (1800-1993), RG 404
  • Minerals Exploration, Office of (1951-61), RG 320
  • Mines, US Bureau of (1860-1984), RG 70
  • Mint, US (1792-1981), RG 104
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (1903-88), RG 255
  • National Agricultural Statistics Service (1909-91), RG 355
  • National Archives and Records Administration (1932-94), RG 64
  • National Bituminous Coal Commission, 1935-1936 (1919-36), RG 150
  • National Capital Housing Authority (1916-63), RG 302
  • National Capital Planning Commission (1900-76), RG 328
  • National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement (1929-31), RG 10
  • National Council on Marine Resources and Engineering Development (1965-71), RG 303
  • National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities (1965-81), RG 288
  • National Guard Bureau (1822-1963), RG 168
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (1966-82), RG 416
  • National Institute of Education (1960-78), RG 419
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (1830-1978), RG 167
  • National Institutes of Health (1912-88), RG 443
  • National Labor Relations Board (1933-79), RG 25
  • National Mediation Board (1887-1965), RG 13
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (1928-93), RG 370
  • National Park Service (1785-1990), RG 79
  • National Production Authority (1941-53), RG 277
  • National Recovery Administration (1927-37), RG 9
  • National Resources Planning Board (1931-43), RG 187
  • National Science Foundation (1907-87), RG 307
  • National Security Agency/Central Security Service (1917-85), RG 457
  • National Security Council (1947-69), RG 273
  • National Telecommunications and Information Administration (1922-76), RG 417
  • National War Labor Board (World War I) (1918-19), RG 2
  • National War Labor Board (World War II) (1941-47), RG 202
  • National Youth Administration (1934-45), RG 119
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS] (1875-1977), RG 114
  • Naval Academy, US(1836-1991), RG 405
  • Naval Districts and Shore Establishments (1784-1981), RG 181
  • Naval Electronic Systems Command (1929-88), RG 345
  • Naval Observatory, US (1840-1943), RG 78
  • Naval Operating Forces (1849-1980), RG 313
  • Naval Operations, Office of the Chief of (1875-1985), RG 38
  • Naval Personnel, Bureau of (1798-1970), RG 24
  • Naval Records Collection of the Office of Naval Records and Library (1691-1945), RG 45
  • Naval Research, Office of (1941-70), RG 298
  • Navy, General Records of the Department of the, 1798-1947 (1804-1958), RG 80
  • Navy, General Records of the Department of the, 1947- (1941-81), RG 428
  • Nixon presidency (1969-74), see Presidential Materials
  • Nuclear Regulatory Commission (1967-90), RG 431
  • Occupation Headquarters, US, World War II (1923-72), RG 260
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (1930-75), RG 100
  • Ordnance, Bureau of (1818-1967), RG 74
  • Ordnance, Office of the Chief of (1797-1968), RG 156
  • Panama Canal (1848-1982), RG 185
  • Pardon Attorney, Office of the (1846-1965), RG 204
  • Patent and Trademark Office (1836-1973), RG 241
  • Paymaster General, Office of the (1791-1917), RG 99
  • Peace Corps (1961-91), RG 490
  • Personnel Management, Office of (1928-92), RG 478
  • Petroleum Administration for War (1935-48), RG 253
  • Petroleum Administrative Board (1924-42), RG 232
  • Philippine War Damage Commission (1945-51), RG 268
  • Plant Industry, Soils, and Agricultural Engineering, Bureau of (1879-1972) , RG 54
  • Post Office Department (1773-1971), RG 28
  • Presidential Materials (1929-93)
  • President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy (1954-65), RG 272
  • President's Organization on Unemployment Relief, (1928-33) RG 73
  • Price Administration, Office of (1940-49), RG 188
  • Price Decontrol Board (1946-47), RG 251
  • Price Stabilization, Office of (1947-53), RG 295
  • Prison Industries Reorganization Administration (1934-40), RG 209
  • Prisons, Bureau of (1870-1981), RG 129
  • Provost Marshal General, Office of the, 1941-(1920-75), RG 389
  • Provost Marshal General's Bureau (Civil War) (1861-89), RG 110
  • Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital, Office of (1790-1951), RG 42
  • Public Buildings Service (1801-1976), RG 121
  • Public Debt, Bureau of the (1775-1976), RG 53
  • Public Health Service, 1912-1968 (1794-1969), RG 90
  • Public Housing Administration (1932-76), RG 196
  • Public Information, Committee on (1917-21), RG 63
  • Public Land Law Review Commission (1964-70), RG 409
  • Public Roads, Bureau of (1892-1972), RG 30
  • Public Works Administration (1933-49), RG 135
  • Puerto Rico, Spanish Governors of (1767-1880), RG 186
  • Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration (1935-55), RG 323
  • Quartermaster General, Office of the (1774-1985), RG 92
  • Railroad Administration, US (1917-38), RG 14
  • Railroad Retirement Board (1934-87), RG 184
  • Railroads, Commissioner of (1861-1907), RG 193
  • Railway Association, US (1974-81), RG 464
  • Reclamation, Bureau of (1889-1987), RG 115
  • Reconstruction Finance Corporation (1928-68), RG 234
  • Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, Bureau of (1861-79), RG 105
  • Records of Regional Committees, Commissions, and Boards (1956-90), RG 414
  • Regular Army Mobile Units, US, 1821-1942 (1815-1950), RG 391
  • Rent Commission of the District of Columbia (1920-25), RG 132
  • Research and Special Programs Administration (Transportation) (1965-87), RG 467
  • Retraining and Reemployment Administration (1944-47), RG 244
  • Revolutionary War Records, War Department Collection of (1709-1915, RG 93
  • Roosevelt presidency (1933-45), see Presidential Materials
  • Rural Electrification Administration (1934-73), RG 221
  • Russian Agencies, Former (1802-1929), RG 261
  • Saline Water, Office of (1955-72), RG 380
  • Science and Technology, Office of (1957-73), RG 359
  • Scientific Research and Development, Office of (1939-50), RG 227
  • Secret Service, US (1863-1977), RG 87
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (1933-88), RG 266
  • Selective Service System, 1940- (1926-71), RG 147
  • Selective Service System (World War I) (1917-39), RG 163
  • Shipbuilding Stabilization Committee (1940-47), RG 254
  • Shipping Board, US (1914-38), RG 32
  • Ships, Bureau of (1794-1972), RG 19
  • Signal Officer, Office of the Chief (1860-1982), RG 111
  • Small Business Administration (1951-91), RG 309
  • Smaller War Plants Corporation (1940-48), RG 240
  • Smithsonian Institution (1871-1952), RG 106
  • Social and Rehabilitation Service (1967-75), RG 363
  • Social Security Administration (1934-79), RG 47
  • Soil Conservation Service (1875-1977), RG 114
  • Soldiers' Home, US (1803-1943), RG 231
  • Solicitor of the Treasury (1791-1934), RG 206
  • Solid Fuels Administration for War (1937-48), RG 245
  • Southeast Asia, US Forces in, 1950-1975 (1950-76), RG 472
  • Southwestern Power Administration (1944-71), RG 387
  • Special Adviser to the President on Foreign Trade, Office of the (1933-36), RG 20
  • St. Elizabeths Hospital (1820-1981), RG 418
  • State, General Records of the Department of (1756-1979), RG 59
  • Strategic Bombing Survey, US (1928-47), RG 243
  • Strategic Services, Office of (1919-48), RG 226
  • Sugar Equalization Board, Inc., US (1917-23), RG 6
  • Supplies and Accounts (Navy), Bureau of (1885-1967), RG 143
  • Support Services, Office of the Chief of (1962-68), RG 410
  • Surgeon General (Army), Office of the (1775-1959), RG 112
  • Surplus Marketing Administration (1933-43), RG 124
  • Temporary Committees, Commissions, and Boards (1893-1993), RG 220
  • Tennessee Valley Authority (1918-90), RG 142
  • Territories, Office of (1885-1976), RG 126
  • Theaters of War, US, World War II (1939-48), RG 332
  • Trade Representative, Office of the US (1934-78), RG 364
  • Transportation, General Records of the Department of (1958-79), RG 398
  • Transportation, Office of the Chief of (1917-66), RG 336
  • Treasurer of the United States (1808-1970), RG 50
  • Treasury, General Records of the Department of the (1775-1990), RG 56
  • Truman presidency (1945-53), see Presidential Materials
  • US Government, General Records of the (1778-1992), RG 11
  • Veracruz, Military Government of (1914), RG 141
  • Veterans Administration (1773-1976), RG 15
  • Virgin Islands, Government of the (1672-1950), RG 55
  • Wage Adjustment Board (1941-47), RG 236
  • Wage and Hour Division (1922-75), RG 155
  • Wage and Salary Stabilization Boards of the Economic Stabilization Agency (1790-1990), RG 29
  • War, Office of the Secretary of (1791-1947), RG 107
  • War Assets Administration (1939-54), RG 270
  • War Ballot Commission, US (1943-46), RG 230
  • War Communications, Board of (1930-47), RG 259
  • War Department Claims Board (1917-22), RG 191
  • War Department General and Special Staffs (1860-1952), RG 165
  • War Finance Corporation (1918-39), RG 154
  • War Industries Board (1916-23), RG 61
  • War Information, Office of (1926-51), RG 208
  • War Labor Policies Board (1918-19), RG 1
  • War Manpower Commission (1936-47), RG 211
  • War Minerals Relief Commission (1917-41), RG194
  • War Mobilization and Reconversion, Office of (1941-47), RG 250
  • War Production Board (1918-47), RG 179
  • War Relocation Authority (1941-47), RG 210
  • War Risk Litigation, Bureau of (1924-46), RG 190
  • War Shipping Administration (1941-50), RG 248
  • War Trade Board (1910-42), RG 182
  • Watergate Special Prosecution Force (1971-77), RG 460
  • Weather Bureau (1735-1979), RG 27
  • White House Office (1814-1977), RG 130
  • Women's Bureau (1892-1971), RG 86
  • Work Projects Administration (1922-44), RG 69
  • World War II War Crimes Records, National Archives Collection of (1933-50), RG 238
  • Yards and Docks, Bureau of (1784-1963), RG 71

Small U.S. flag

How much has the U.S. government spent this year?

The U.S. government has spent $ NaN million in fiscal year to ensure the well-being of the people of the United States.

Fiscal year-to-date (since October ) total updated monthly using the Monthly Treasury Statement (MTS) dataset.

Compared to the federal spending of $ 0 million for the same period last year ( Oct -1 - Invalid Date null ) our federal spending has by $ 0 million .

Key Takeaways

The federal government spends money on a variety of goods, programs, and services to support the American public and pay interest incurred from borrowing. In fiscal year (FY) 0, the government spent $, which was than it collected (revenue), resulting in a .

The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the ability to create a federal budget – in other words, to determine how much money the government can spend over the course of the upcoming fiscal year. Congress’s budget is then approved by the President. Every year, Congress decides the amount and the type of discretionary spending, as well as provides resources for mandatory spending.

Money for federal spending primarily comes from government tax collection and borrowing. In FY 0 government spending equated to roughly $0 out of every $10 of the goods produced and services provided in the United States.

Federal Spending Overview

The federal government spends money on a variety of goods, programs, and services that support the economy and people of the United States. The federal government also spends money on the interest it has incurred on outstanding federal debt . Consequently, as the debt grows, the spending on interest expense also generally grows.

If the government spends more than it collects in revenue , then there is a budget deficit. If the government spends less than it collects in revenue, there is a budget surplus. In fiscal year (FY) , the government spent $ , which was than it collected (revenue), resulting in a . Visit the national deficit explainer to see how the deficit and revenue compare to federal spending.

Federal government spending pays for everything from Social Security and Medicare to military equipment, highway maintenance, building construction, research, and education. This spending can be broken down into two primary categories: mandatory and discretionary. These purchases can also be classified by object class and budget functions .

Throughout this page, we use outlays to represent spending. This is money that has actually been paid out and not just promised to be paid. When issuing a contract or grant, the U.S. government enters a binding agreement called an obligation. This means the government promises to spend the money, either immediately or in the future. As an example, an obligation occurs when a federal agency signs a contract, awards a grant, purchases a service, or takes other actions that require it to make a payment. Obligations do not always result in payments being made, which is why we show actual outlays that reflect actual spending occurring.

To see details on federal obligations, including a breakdown by budget function and object class, visit USAspending.gov .

The U.S. Treasury uses the terms “government spending,” “federal spending,” “national spending,” and “federal government spending” interchangeably to describe spending by the federal government.

According to the Constitution’s Preamble, the purpose of the federal government is “…to establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” These goals are achieved through government spending.

Spending Categories

The federal budget is divided into approximately 20 categories, known as budget functions. These categories organize federal spending into topics based on their purpose (e.g., National Defense, Transportation, and Health).

What does the government buy?

The government buys a variety of products and services used to serve the public - everything from military aircraft, construction and highway maintenance equipment, buildings, and livestock, to research, education, and training. The chart below shows the top 10 categories and agencies for federal spending in FY .

Visit the Monthly Treasury Statement (MTS) dataset to explore and download this data.

For more details on U.S. government spending by category and agency, visit USAspending.gov’s Spending Explorer and Agency Profile pages.

The Difference Between Mandatory, Discretionary, and Supplemental Spending

Who controls federal government spending.

Government spending is broken down into two primary categories: mandatory and discretionary. Mandatory spending represents nearly two-thirds of annual federal spending. This type of spending does not require an annual vote by Congress. The second major category is discretionary spending. The difference between mandatory and discretionary spending relates to whether spending is dictated by prior law or voted on in the annual appropriations process. Another type of appropriation spending is called supplemental appropriations , in which spending laws are passed to address needs that have arisen after the fiscal year has begun.

Mandatory Spending

Mandatory spending, also known as direct spending, is mandated by existing laws. This type of spending includes funding for entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security and other payments to people, businesses, and state and local governments. For example, the Social Security Act requires the government to provide payments to beneficiaries based on the amount of money they’ve earned and other factors. Last amended in 2019, the Social Security Act will determine the level of federal spending into the future until it is amended again. Due to authorization laws, the funding for these programs must be allocated for spending each year, hence the term mandatory.

Step 1: Existing laws require (mandatory) money for spending each year Step 2: The Treasury issues funds to specific agency spending accounts towards contracts, loans, grants, direct payments, and other financial assistance Step 3: Entitlement program benefits are paid out from these accounts to support people, businesses, and state and local governments

Discretionary Spending

Discretionary spending is money formally approved by Congress and the President during the appropriations process each year. Generally, Congress allocates over half of the discretionary budget towards national defense and the rest to fund the administration of other agencies and programs. These programs range from transportation, education, housing, and social service programs, as well as science and environmental organizations.

Step 1: President submits recommendation for the next year’s budget in the President's Budget Step 2: Congress reviews, revises, and votes on the budget during the appropriations process each year Step 3: President signs the budget into law, and spending goes to national defense and other federal agency programs. The accounts are funded annually and disbursements are made unless an amendment is made to the law}

Supplemental Spending

Supplemental appropriations, also known as supplemental spending, are appropriations enacted after the regular annual appropriations when the need for funds is too urgent to wait for the next regular appropriations. In 2020, Congress passed four supplemental appropriations to aid the nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. You can explore the spending related to these supplemental appropriation laws in USAspending.gov’s  COVID-19 Spending Profile page.

Step 1: Congress proposes and votes on legislation for supplemental appropriations Step 2: President enacts the law by signing it Step 3: Agencies receive funding to administer the law and spend the money to address the urgent need identified

Spending Trends Over Time and the U.S. Economy

The federal government spent $ in FY . This means federal spending was equal to of the total gross domestic product (GDP), or economic activity, of the United States that year. One of the reasons federal spending is compared to GDP is to give a reference point for the size of the federal government spending compared with economic activity throughout the entire country.

How has spending changed over time? The chart below shows you how spending has changed over the last years and presents total spending compared to GDP.

See the datasets that relate to federal spending

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  • Date Range 03/31/2015 - 01/31/2024
  • Last Updated 02/12/2024
  • Release Frequency Monthly
  • 14 Data Tables

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  • Date Range 05/31/2010 - 01/31/2024
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  • Date Range 10/03/2005 - 02/20/2024
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  • Release Frequency Daily
  • 9 Data Tables
  • Date Range 09/30/1995 - 09/30/2023
  • Last Updated 02/20/2024
  • Release Frequency Annually
  • 8 Data Tables

Read our research on: Immigration & Migration | Podcasts | Election 2024

Regions & Countries

Migrant encounters at the u.s.-mexico border hit a record high at the end of 2023.

The U.S. Border Patrol had nearly 250,000 encounters with migrants crossing into the United States from Mexico in December 2023, according to government statistics . That was the highest monthly total on record, easily eclipsing the previous peak of about 224,000 encounters in May 2022.

A line chart showing that 2023 ended with more migrant encounters at U.S.-Mexico border than any month on record.

The monthly number of encounters has soared since 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic temporarily forced the U.S.-Mexico border to close and slowed migration across much of the world . In April 2020, the Border Patrol recorded around 16,000 encounters – among the lowest monthly totals in decades.

This Pew Research Center analysis examines migration patterns at the U.S.-Mexico border using  current  and  historical data  from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the federal agency that includes the U.S. Border Patrol. The analysis is based on a metric known as migrant encounters.

The term “encounters” refers to two distinct types of events:

  • Apprehensions: Migrants are taken into custody in the United States, at least temporarily, to await a decision on whether they can remain in the country legally, such as by being granted asylum. Apprehensions are carried out under  Title 8 of the U.S. code , which deals with immigration law.
  • Expulsions: Migrants are immediately expelled to their home country or last country of transit without being held in U.S. custody. Expulsions are carried out under Title 42 of the U.S. code, a previously  rarely used section of the law  that the Trump administration invoked during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic . The law empowers federal health authorities to stop migrants from entering the country if it is determined that barring them could prevent the spread of contagious diseases. The Biden administration stopped the use of Title 42 in May 2023, when the federal government declared an end to the COVID-19 public health emergency .

It is important to note that encounters refer to events, not people, and that some migrants are encountered more than once. As a result, the overall number of encounters may overstate the number of distinct individuals involved.

This analysis is limited to monthly encounters between ports of entry involving the Border Patrol. It excludes encounters at ports of entry involving the Office of Field Operations.

Since then, the monthly number of migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border has surpassed 200,000 on 10 separate occasions. That threshold previously hadn’t been reached since March 2000, when there were about 220,000 encounters.

It’s not clear whether the recent high numbers of encounters at the border will persist in 2024. In January, encounters fell to around 124,000 , according to the latest available statistics.

  • Apprehensions: Migrants are taken into custody in the U.S., at least temporarily, to await a decision on whether they can remain in the country legally, such as by being granted asylum. Apprehensions are carried out under  Title 8 of the U.S. code , which deals with immigration law.

A stacked bar chart showing that use of Title 42 began during coronavirus pandemic and ended in May 2023.

  • Expulsions : Migrants are immediately expelled to their home country or last country of transit without being held in U.S. custody. Expulsions are carried out under Title 42 of the U.S. code, a previously  rarely used section of the law  that the Trump administration invoked during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The law empowers federal health authorities to stop migrants from entering the country if it is determined that barring them could prevent the spread of contagious diseases. In the early months of the pandemic in the U.S., the Border Patrol relied heavily on Title 42 to expel most of the migrants it encountered at the border. The Biden administration stopped the use of Title 42 in May 2023, when the federal government declared an end to the COVID-19 public health emergency . Since then, the Border Patrol has been apprehending migrants within the U.S. instead of expelling them from the country.

Related:  Key facts about Title 42, the pandemic policy that has reshaped immigration enforcement at U.S.-Mexico border

Who is crossing the U.S.-Mexico border?

An area chart showing that a growing share of migrant encounters involve people traveling in families.

In December 2023, most encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border (54%) involved migrants traveling as single adults, while 41% involved people traveling in families and 5% involved unaccompanied minors.

In recent months, a growing number of encounters have involved people traveling in families. In December 2023, the Border Patrol had nearly 102,000 encounters with family members, up from around 61,000 a year earlier.

There has also been a shift in migrants’ origin countries. Historically, most encounters at the southwestern border have involved citizens of Mexico or the Northern Triangle nations of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. But in December 2023, 54% of encounters involved citizens of countries other than these four nations.

An area chart showing that most border encounters now involve people from countries other than Mexico and Northern Triangle.

Venezuelans, in particular, stand out. Nearly 47,000 migrant encounters in December 2023 involved citizens of Venezuela, up from about 6,000 a year earlier. The number of encounters involving Venezuelans was second only to the approximately 56,000 involving Mexicans in December 2023.

There has also been a sharp increase in encounters with citizens of China, despite its distance from the U.S.-Mexico border. The Border Patrol reported nearly 6,000 encounters with Chinese citizens at the southwestern border in December 2023, up from around 900 a year earlier.

How do Americans view the situation at the border?

The American public is broadly dissatisfied with how things are going at the border, according to a new Pew Research Center survey .

Eight-in-ten U.S. adults say the government is doing a very or somewhat bad job dealing with the large number of migrants seeking to enter the U.S. at the border with Mexico. And nearly as many say the situation is either a “crisis” (45%) or a “major problem” (32%) for the U.S.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published on March 15, 2021.

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What’s happening at the U.S.-Mexico border in 7 charts

Most americans are critical of government’s handling of situation at u.s.-mexico border, after surging in 2019, migrant apprehensions at u.s.-mexico border fell sharply in fiscal 2020, how border apprehensions, ice arrests and deportations have changed under trump, most popular.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

What is Presidents Day and how is it celebrated? What to know about the federal holiday

Many will have a day off on monday in honor of presidents day. consumers may take advantage of retail sales that proliferate on the federal holiday, but here's what to know about the history of it..

federal government topics for research papers

Presidents Day is fast approaching, which may signal to many a relaxing three-day weekend and plenty of holiday sales and bargains .

But next to Independence Day, there may not exist another American holiday that is quite so patriotic.

While Presidents Day has come to be a commemoration of all the nation's 46 chief executives, both past and present, it wasn't always so broad . When it first came into existence – long before it was even federally recognized – the holiday was meant to celebrate just one man: George Washington.

How has the day grown from a simple celebration of the birthday of the first president of the United States? And why are we seeing all these ads for car and furniture sales on TV?

Here's what to know about Presidents Day and how it came to be:

When is Presidents Day 2024?

This year, Presidents Day is on Monday, Feb. 19.

The holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of every February because of a bill signed into law in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Taking effect three years later, the Uniform Holiday Bill mandated that three holidays – Memorial Day, Presidents Day and Veterans Day – occur on Mondays to prevent midweek shutdowns and add long weekends to the federal calendar, according to Britannica .

Other holidays, including Labor Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day , were also established to be celebrated on Mondays when they were first observed.

However, Veterans Day was returned to Nov. 11 in 1978 and continues to be commemorated on that day.

What does Presidents Day commemorate?

Presidents Day was initially established in 1879 to celebrate the birthday of the nation's first president, George Washington. In fact, the holiday was simply called Washington's Birthday, which is still how the federal government refers to it, the Department of State explains .

Following the death of the venerated American Revolution leader in 1799, Feb. 22, widely believed to be Washington's date of birth , became a perennial day of remembrance, according to History.com .

The day remained an unofficial observance for much of the 1800s until Sen. Stephen Wallace Dorsey of Arkansas proposed that it become a federal holiday. In 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes signed it into law, according to History.com.

While initially being recognized only in Washington D.C., Washington's Birthday became a nationwide holiday in 1885. The first to celebrate the life of an individual American, Washington's Birthday was at the time one of only five federally-recognized holidays – the others being Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July.

However, most Americans today likely don't view the federal holiday as a commemoration of just one specific president. Presidents Day has since come to represent a day to recognize and celebrate all of the United States' commanders-in-chief, according to the U.S. Department of State .

When the Uniform Holiday Bill took effect in 1971, a provision was included to combine the celebration of Washington’s birthday with Abraham Lincoln's on Feb. 12, according to History.com. Because the new annual date always fell between Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays, Americans believed the day was intended to honor both presidents.

Interestingly, advertisers may have played a part in the shift to "Presidents Day."

Many businesses jumped at the opportunity to use the three-day weekend as a means to draw customers with Presidents Day sales and bargain at stores across the country, according to History.com.

How is the holiday celebrated?

Because Presidents Day is a federal holiday , most federal workers will have the day off .

Part of the reason Johnson made the day a uniform holiday was so Americans had a long weekend "to travel farther and see more of this beautiful land of ours," he wrote. As such, places like the Washington Monument in D.C. and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota – which bears the likenesses of Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt – are bound to attract plenty of tourists.

Similar to Independence Day, the holiday is also viewed as a patriotic celebration . As opposed to July, February might not be the best time for backyard barbecues and fireworks, but reenactments, parades and other ceremonies are sure to take place in cities across the U.S.

Presidential places abound across the U.S.

Opinions on current and recent presidents may leave Americans divided, but we apparently love our leaders of old enough to name a lot of places after them.

In 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau pulled information from its databases showcasing presidential geographic facts about the nation's cities and states.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the census data shows that as of 2020 , the U.S. is home to plenty of cities, counties and towns bearing presidential names. Specifically:

  • 94 places are named "Washington."
  • 72 places are named "Lincoln."
  • 67 places are named for Andrew Jackson, a controversial figure who owned slaves and forced thousands of Native Americans to march along the infamous Trail of Tears.

Contributing: Clare Mulroy

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

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    This research paper examines where state and local government sit in the American national political system and then focuses on the internal workings of each level, looking at executives, legislatures, judicial systems, political participation, and policy making. II. States in the Federal System. State governments, and the municipalities within ...

  19. Balance of Federal Government's and State's Power Research Paper

    Updated: Feb 22nd, 2024. Since the Civil War, the balance of power between the federal government and the states has undergone significant changes. The Union's triumph in the war resulted in the eradication of slavery and the ratification of the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution (Diffley, 2020; OU IACH, 2013).

  20. Research, Studies & Reports

    The Federal Acquisition Institute promotes and coordinates government wide research and studies to improve the procurement process and the laws, policies, methods, regulations, procedures, and forms relating to acquisition by the executive agencies [41 U.S.C. 405 (d) (5) (b)].

  21. OSTP Issues Guidance to Make Federally Funded Research Freely Available

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  22. The Fed

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  23. A Granular Examination of Gender and Racial Disparities in Federal

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  24. Research by Federal Government Organization

    The National Archives acquires, preserves, and makes available for research records of enduring value created or received by organizations of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Federal Government. Records in the custody of the National Archives date from pre-federal times to the present.

  25. Federal Spending

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  26. Migrant encounters at U.S.-Mexico border hit ...

    Migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border hit a record high at the end of 2023. The U.S. Border Patrol had nearly 250,000 encounters with migrants crossing into the United States from Mexico in December 2023, according to government statistics. That was the highest monthly total on record, easily eclipsing the previous peak of about 224,000 ...

  27. What is Presidents Day? Is it a federal holiday? Everything to know

    This year, Presidents Day is on Monday, Feb. 19. The holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of every February because of a bill signed into law in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Taking ...