Major Independent Agencies
Updated August 5, 2020 |
Infoplease Staff
![Updated by an Infoplease Editor on August 5, 2020](/themes/ip/images/info-circle.png)
There are several administrative divisions of the government whose job it is to enforce and administer laws and regulations. Because provisions for these agencies were not outlined in the Constitution, they are considered independent extensions of the U.S. government. Here is a list of some of the major agencies.
| 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, Md. 20740-6001 Established: Oct. 19, 1984. NARA is the successor agency to the National Archives Establishment, which was created in 1934 and later incorporated into the General Services Administration as the National Archives and Records Service in 1949. Archivist of the U.S.: David S. Ferriero www.nara.gov 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (20506) Established: 1965 Chair: Joan Shigekawa The foundation supports the arts by funding museums, artists, and arts-related programs for schools and communities. www.arts.gov 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (20506) Established: 1965 Chair: Carole Watson The foundation supports the arts by funding museums, artists, and arts-related programs for schools and communities. www.neh.gov Washington, DC (20511) Established: Dec. 2004 Director: James R. Clapper The position of Director of National Intelligence was created by Congress in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001. The National Intelligence Reform Act was passed by Congress in Dec. 2004, formally establishing the post. The director oversees the Central Intelligence Agency and 14 smaller intelligence agencies and will determine what information reaches the president. It is a cabinet-level position. www.dni.gov 1099 14th St., NW (20570-0001) Members: 5 Established: July 5, 1935 Chair: Mark Gaston Pearce The NLRB enforces the National Labor Relations Act, which is the law that oversees relations between unions and employers in the private sector. It holds elections to determine if employees want to unionize and investigates and fixes unfair labor practices by employers and unions. www.nlrb.gov 1301 K St., NW, Suite 250 East (20005-7011) Established: June 21, 1934 Chair: Linda Puchala www.nmb.gov 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22230 Established: 1950 Director: Dr. Cora Marrett The NSF promotes science and engineering through research and education programs. www.nsf.gov 490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW (20594) Members: 5 Established: April 1, 1967, as an independent agency supported by the Dept. of Transportation. Ties with Dept. of Transportation officially ended in 1975. Chair: Deborah Hersman The NTSB investigates every civil aviation accident in the United States, as well as railroad, highway, and marine accidents. The board also makes safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. www.ntsb.gov Washington, DC 20555 Members: 5 Established: Jan. 19, 1975 Chair: Allison M. Macfarlane The NRC licenses and regulates the nonmilitary use of nuclear energy to protect the public and the environment. www.nrc.gov 1900 E St., NW (20415) Established: Jan. 1, 1979 Director: Elaine Kaplan OPM works in several broad categories to recruit, retain and honor a world-class workforce for the American people. www.opm.gov
100 F St., NE (20549) Members: 5 Established: July 2, 1934 Chair: Mary Jo White The SEC administers federal securities laws. These laws protect investors in securities markets and ensure that investors have access to information about publicly traded securities. The Commission also regulates firms engaged in the purchase or sale of securities, people who provide investment advice, and investment companies. www.sec.gov National Headquarters, Arlington, Va., 22209-2425 Established: Sept. 16, 1940 Director: Lawrence G. Romo The statutory missions of Selective Service are to be prepared to provide trained and untrained personnel to the DoD in the event of a national emergency and to be prepared to implement an Alternative Service Program for registrants classified as conscientious objectors. www.sss.gov 409 3rd St., SW (20416) Established: July 30, 1953 Administrator: Jeanne A. Hulit The SBA provides financial, technical, and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. www.sba.gov 400 West Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, Tenn. 37902-1499 Members of Board of Directors: 9 Established: May 18, 1933 Chairman: Bill Johnson TVA has renewed its vision to help lead the Tennessee Valley region and the nation toward a cleaner and more secure energy future, relying more on nuclear power and energy efficiency and relying less on coal. www.tva.com 475 L'Enfant Plaza, SW (20260-0010) Established: In 1775 with the appointment of Benjamin Franklin as the first postmaster general under the Continental Congress. In 1970 became independent agency headed by 11-member board of governors. Postmaster General: Patrick R. Donahoe www.usps.com |
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