Organization Chart: United States Government
The United States federal government is a major source of public policies. Hence, the laws and regulations produced by the federal government and its agencies are public policy documents.
- Organization Chart of the U.S. GovernmentPublished in the United States Government Manual, https://www.usgovernmentmanual.gov/, the chart identifies the names of the federal government’s agencies and organizations. Several of these entities are the authors / publishers of public policy documents.
The United States Government Manual 2019 by Call Number: View full text via Office of the Federal RegisterISBN: 1641434651Publication Date: 2020-03-18
Laws & Regulations
- Congress.govIn the U.S., one of the entities responsible for a huge share of the output of public policy documents is the United States Congress.
- Find Public LawsFind public laws (P.L.) by selecting the session of Congress (ex. P.L. 89), and then the law number (P.L. 89-236): "Immigration Act of 1990."
- Federal Register"The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents."
Policy Documents are Primary Sources
Many topics will require a two-step process find the actual policy document:
- A secondary source [journal or magazine article, Congressional Hearing] may discuss/identify a public policy.
- Primary policy document [frequently a law or regulation, or a ruling in a court case].
Public Policy Debates
- Policy File Index This link opens in a new windowFind information on both sides of a public policy debate. Search and access reports from over 300 active think tanks, research organizations, and advocacy groups.
