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== Federal Agencies ==

== Federal Agencies ==

The day-to-day power of the federal government is in its numerous "agencies", or departments.  These agencies, all located in the Executive Branch, handle many types of disputes before they become lawsuits.  The Department of Education hears complaints about violation of federal law in public schools; the Department of Labor hears labor disputes, including alleged discrimination; the Department of Health and Human Services handles the massive federal health care spending.  Each of the 15 federal agencies, including the new Department of Homeland Security, have responsibilities that grow over time.

The day-to-day power of the federal government is in its numerous "agencies", or departments.  These agencies, all located in the Executive Branch, handle many types of disputes before they become lawsuits.  The Department of Education hears complaints about violation of federal law in public schools; the Department of Labor hears labor disputes, including alleged discrimination; the Department of Health and Human Services handles the massive federal health care spending.  Each of the 15 federal agencies, including the relatively new Department of Homeland Security (established after 9/11), have responsibilities that grow over time.

These departments employ thousands of people.  At the top of each department is a "Secretary", a word that does not have its ordinary meaning.  The "Secretary of State" is the leader of the State Department.

These departments employ thousands of people.  At the top of each department is a "Secretary", a word that does not have its ordinary meaning.  The "Secretary of State" is the leader of the State Department. The official full title of each of these departments includes "United States" in order to distinguish them from agencies in foreign nations, or in state governments, as in "United States Department of State," or "U.S. Department of State."

A president's "Cabinet" includes the leaders (Secretary) of each of the departments.  The president nominates the Secretary for each Department, and he is confirmed or rejected by the Senate.  The president may fire a Secretary if unhappy with his work, but that rarely happens.

A president's "Cabinet" includes the leaders (Secretary) of each of the departments.  The president nominates the Secretary for each Department, and he is confirmed or rejected by the Senate.  The president may fire a Secretary if unhappy with his work, but that rarely happens.