The Three Branches

Executive Branch

Overviews

• Executive Branch
  An overview of the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government.
  
  
• Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government: Executive Branch
  A brief overview of the role and organization of the executive branch of the government. Ben's Guide to U.S. Government, U.S. Government Printing Office.
  
  
• Executive Branch Reorganization and Management Initiatives    
  This 2002 Congressional Research Service report discusses how and by whose authority changes are accomplished in the administrative structure and operations of the executive branch.
  
  
• Presidential and Vice Presidential Succession: Overview and Current Legislation
  History and current rules of succession should the president or vice president resign or die. Congressional Research Service, 2004.
  
  
• Order of Succession
  Lists those who would succeed the President according to the Act of 1947 and those who would succeed the Vice President according to the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 1967.
  

The President

• The Executive Branch: Powers of the Presidency
  Outlines the Constitutional requirements to become the U.S. President and some of the duties of the office. Also includes descriptions of the executive departments and other government agencies. Outline of the U.S. Government, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Information Programs, 2000.
            
  
• The 2009 U.S. Presidential Inauguration
  The citizens of the United States enthusiastically celebrated the inauguration of their 44th president in January 2009. The peaceful transfer of power always renews faith in the strength of democracy, but in 2009 the rise of an African-American to the nation's highest office also gave reason for pride at the nation's repudiation of the segregation and slavery in its past. President Barack Obama called it a day when Americans chose "hope over fear." Published January 2009.
  
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• Barack Obama: 44th President of the United States
  Barack Obama, elected the 44th President of the United States, has lived a truly American life, and has opened a new chapter in American politics. This publication tells the story of Obama's life, describes how he captured the presidency, and portrays his vision for the future. It also introduces readers to the Obama family and to the new Vice President, Joseph Biden. Published November 2008.
  
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• The President of the United States
  A brief overview of who the President is, his duties, and who and what he oversees. Ben's Guide to U.S. Government, U.S. Government Printing Office.
  
  
• The President of the United States: Legislative Powers
  An in-depth review of the President's role in making the laws of the United States. Ben's Guide to U.S. Government, U.S. Government Printing Office.
  
  
• The President of the United States: Requirements and Term
  The requirements that candidates for President and Vice President must meet to run for the offices and the length of their terms. Ben's Guide to U.S. Government, U.S. Government Printing Office.
  
  
• U.S. Presidential Transitions
  We often read or hear about turmoil before, during, or after elections around the world. An important characteristic of democracy in the United States, however, is the regularly recurring peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next. Americans know when the next presidential election will take place — the Tuesday after the first Monday in November every four years. And power will be transferred to the newly elected (or re-elected) president on January 20 of the following year. Published January 2009.
  
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• The President's Budget
  A description of what is included in the President's budget for the U.S. Government and how it is written.
  
  
• Presidential Libraries: A Brief History
  A brief history of the origin of presidential libraries to preserve presidential papers as part of the National Archives.
        
  
• The Presidents of the United States
  A full listing of past U.S. Presidents, their Vice Presidents, their term and party affiliation. Ben's Guide to U.S. Government, U.S. Government Printing Office.
  

White House

• Biography of President Barack Obama
  Provides a wealth of background information for the 44th President of the United States.
  
  
• Biography of First Michelle Obama
  Gives a biographical sketch of Michelle Obama, the President's wife.
  
  
• Biography of Vice President Joseph R. Biden
  Provides a biographical sketch of Vice President Biden and his accomplishments to date.
  
  
• Biography of Jill T. Biden
  Gives a biographical sketch of Jill T. Biden, Vice President Biden's wife.
  
  
• Living Former Presidents of the United States
  Contact information for the three living former presidents
  

Executive Office of the President

• U.S. Executive Office of the President  
  
  
• U.S. Office of Administration    
  A brief history and a list of members of the U.S. Office of Administration.
  
  
• U.S. Council of Economic Advisers
  A brief overview, history and list of members of the U.S. Council on Economic Advisers
     
  
• U.S. Council on Environmental Quality    
  A brief overview, history, functions and list of members of the U.S. Council on Environmental Quality.
  
  
• U.S. National Security Council
  General information on the membership and purpose of the U.S. National Security Council.
  
  
• U.S. Office of Management and Budget    
  Provides an overview of the Office of Management and Budget, which evaluates, formulates, and coordinates management procedures and program objectives for federal departments and agencies.
  
  
• U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy
  A brief overview of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
  
  
• U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy      
  Provides information on the mission and functions of the Office.
  
  
• U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence
  An overview of the Director who oversees and coordinates the foreign and domestic Intelligence Community.
  
  
• Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
  General information about the U.S. Trade Representative office, which is responsible for directing all trade negotiations and formulating trade policy.
  

The White House Office

• U.S. Domestic Policy Council
  Provides a brief history of the Council which coordinates the domestic policy-making process in the White House.
  
  
• U.S. National Economic Council
  An overview of the responsibilities, duties, and membership base for the U.S. National Economic Council.
  
  
• U.S. Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives           
  Provides background information on why the U.S. Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives was created, as well as how it was formed and some of the regulatory changes that have been made with respect to faith-based and community issues.
  
  
• U.S. Office of National AIDS Policy          
  Provides an overview of this office's duties in addition to contact information and a summary fact sheet on HIV/AIDS.
  
  
• U.S. Office of the First Lady
  Information on the initiatives of the U.S. Office of the First Lady.
  
  
• White House Military Office    
  Provides a brief summary of the responsibilities of the White House Military Office.
         

The Cabinet

• The U.S. Cabinet: Information About the Cabinet with Names as of April 2010
  Information about the U.S. Cabinet and U.S. Executive Office of the President.
  
  
• The President's Cabinet
  Background on the purpose of the Cabinet, the selection of its members, and a brief overview of each department.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
  Outline of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's functions, bureaus and offices.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Commerce    
  Overview of the purpose and responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and its bureaus and offices.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Defense       
  Information regarding the history, structure and role of the U.S. Department of Defense.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Education     
  Information about the U.S. Department of Education's structure and activities.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Energy    
  Information about the U.S. Department of Energy's mission, functions, and resources.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services          
  Information about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' functions and resources.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development         
  Information about the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's purpose, functions, and program areas.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security          
  Information about the functions and resources of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  
  
• U.S. Department of the Interior   
  Information about the U.S. Department of Interior's mission, functions, and bureaus.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Justice                
  Provides the history, mission and functions of the U.S. Department of Justice.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Labor
  Overview of the purpose and responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Labor.
  
  
• U.S. Department of State    
  Summary of the functions and mission of the U.S. Department of State.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Transportation     
  Information about the U.S. Department of Transportation's functions and resources.
  
  
• U.S. Department of the Treasury
  Provides information on the functions, mission and structure of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates programs to benefit veterans and members of their families.

Federal Agencies and Commissions

• African Development Foundation
  The African Development Foundation's goals are to alleviate poverty and promote broad-based sustainable development and empowerment in Africa.
  
  
• Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
  General summary of the role and responsibilities of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
  
  
• Broadcasting Board of Governors
  The Board's responsibility is for all U.S. government and government sponsored, non-military, international broadcasting.
  
  
• U.S. Central Intelligence Agency       
  Explanation of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency's mission and duties.
  
  
• U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission           
  Overview of the Commission's history, role and duties.
  
  
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
  General information about the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's functions and responsibilities.
  
  
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  
  Overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's structure and functions.
           
  
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission      
  Provides an overview of the Commission's mission which is to enforce laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age.
  
  
• U.S. Federal Communications Commission       
  A general summary regarding the U.S. Federal Communications Commission's purpose and responsibilities.
  
  
• U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation        
  Information about the mission and operation of the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
  
  
• U.S. Federal Election Commission           
  The Federal Election Commission has jurisdiction over the administration and enforcement of laws and regulations concerning campaign funds.
  
  
• U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency      
  Brief overview of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency's mission and history.
  
  
• U.S. Federal Reserve System            
  General information regarding the U.S. Federal Reserve System which is the central bank of the United States and is charged with administering and formulating the Nation's credit and monetary policy.
  
  
• U.S. Federal Trade Commission      
  General overview of the history, structure and activities of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
  
  
• U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services      
  The mission of the Institute is to create strong American libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute also seeks to sustain heritage, culture and knowledge.
  
  
• U.S. National Security Agency          
  General introduction to the U.S. National Security Agency. U.S. National Security Agency/Central Security Service.
  
  
• U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)          
  Information regarding the role, activities, and operations of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
  
  
• U.S. National Archives and Records Administration     
  Brief summary regarding the establishment, structure, and activities of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
  
  
• U.S. National Endowment for the Arts       
  Brief overview of the mission and function of the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts which is the official arts organization of the U.S. Government.
  
  
• U.S. National Endowment for the Humanities
  The U.S. National Endowment for the Humanities is the grantmaking agency to support research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities .
     
  
• U.S. National Labor Relations Board      
  Information about the structure and responsibilities of the U.S. National Labor Relations Board.
       
  
• U.S. National Science Foundation     
  The National Science Foundation promotes the progress of science and engineering through research and education programs.
  
  
• U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission   
  General summary of the purpose, structure, and activities of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
    
  
• U.S. Office of Government Ethics
  The Office of Government Ethics prevents conflicts of interest on the part of Government employees.
  
  
• U.S. Peace Corps         
  Overview of the history, mission, and activities of the U.S. Peace Corps.
  
  
• U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission    
  General summary of the role, structure, and activities of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
  
  
• U.S. Small Business Administration          
  Information regarding the purpose and activities of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
  
  
• Smithsonian Institution         
  General information regarding the creation, structure, and responsibilities of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Institution and its museums, galleries, research facilities, and the National Zoo.
  
  
• U.S. Social Security Administration
  Overview of the establishment, programs, and activities of the U.S. Social Security Administration.
      
  
• U.S. Selective Service System      
  Brief summary of the purpose and structure of the U.S. Selective Service System.
  
  
• U.S. Agency for International Development           
  The U.S. Agency for International Development administers economic and humanitarian assistance programs in the developing world, Central and Eastern Europe, and Eurasia.
  
  
• U.S. International Trade Commission    
  Brief overview regarding the establishment and functions of the U.S. International Trade Commission.
        
  
• U.S. Postal Service    
  The U.S. Postal Service provides mail and delivery services to individuals and businesses within the U.S.
     
  
• Voice of America        
  Fast facts about Voice of America.
  

Legislative Branch

Overviews

• About the U.S. Congress 
  This section provides a general overview of the U.S. Congress from its officers and committees to its special powers and rights of members. 
  
  
• Senators of the 111th Congress as of December 2009
          
• House Members by State as of January 2010


• Legislative Branch
  A description of the Legislative Branch from the Outline of the U.S. Government, Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State, 2000.
  

Legislative Context

• The 2010 Decennial Census: Background and Issues. CRS Report 2009.
  Covers issues of accuracy, methodology, and a timeline for the 2010 Census.
  
  
• Congressional Oversight
  A regular report on Congressional activities in oversight of policy implementation and administration of the U.S. Government by the Congressional Research Service.
  
  
• Membership of the 111th Congress: a Profile. CRS Report 2010.
  
  
• Census in the Constitution: Why Jefferson, Madison and the Founders Enshrined the Census in our Constitution
  
  
• The Committee System in the U.S. Congress
  Discusses the committees and subcommittees of Congress and the rules, operations and duties of each.
  
  
• Congressional Apportionment
  Provides a general overview of Congressional apportionment, explains the difference between apportionment and redistricting and provides historical information for changes by state and region.
  
  
• House Ethics Manual, 2008
  Laws and rules regulating the conduct of Members of the House and their staff members.
    
  
• U.S. Senate Ethics Manual
  This section is a compilation of texts and explanations of laws, rules, advisory opinions, and decisions regulating the conduct of U.S. Senate members and staff.
         
  
• Congressional Gold Medals, 1776-2009.
  Report from the Congressional Research Service describing the process for awarding Gold Medals, and includes a historical examination and chronological list of these awards.


• Code of Official Conduct, U.S. House of Representatives, 110th Congress.
  

Legislative Processes

• How Our Laws are Made: Report by U.S. House of Representatives, 2003 edition.
  Provides a detailed description of how law is made in the U.S. including Congressional procedures and Presidential actions.
  
  
• Evolution of the Senate's Role in the Nomination and Confirmation Process: A Brief History, CRS Report 2005.
  
  
• Filibusters and Cloture in the Senate, CRS Report 2003
            
  
• Creation of Executive Departments: Highlights from the Legislative History of Modern Precedents
  Congressional Research Service report discusses the legislative procedures for creating executive departments, and provides a short history on the creation of each cabinet department.
  
  
• Enactment of a Law 
  A description of the legislative process by Robert B. Dove, Parliamentarian, U.S. Senate.
  
  
• House and Senate Rules of Procedure: A Comparison
  Congressional Research Service report provides detailed descriptions of several procedures for actions within the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
  
  
• Tying It All Together: Learn About the Legislative Process
  A brief overview of the legislative process.
  
  
• How a Bill Becomes a Law
  Table and description of the legislative process involved in passing a law from a bill.
    
  
• Overview of the Authorization-Appropriations Process
  This document covers Congress' power to authorize and appropriate federal spending to carry out government activities.
  
  
• The Congressional Appropriations Process: An Introduction
  "This report discusses the process through which Congress annually considers funding for numerous activities, such as national defense, education, homeland security, and crime."
  
  

Offices and Agencies that Support Congress

• Office of the Clerk
  Describes the position, history and duties of the Office of the Clerk.
  
  
• U.S. Architect of the Capitol
  The Architect is responsible for the care and maintenance of the U.S. Capitol and the buildings and grounds surrounding it.
  
  
• U.S. Congressional Budget Office   
  The Congressional Budget Office provides the Congress with economic analyses of fiscal and budgetary issues.
  
  
• U.S. Government Accountability Office       
  The Government Accountability Office is the investigative arm of the Congress and examines matters relating to disbursement of public funds.
  
  
• U.S. Government Printing Office       
  The mission of the Government Printing Office is to disseminate printed and electronic publications of Congress.
  
  
• U.S. Botanic Garden
  Discusses the botanic garden, its location, its history and its mission.
  
  
• U.S. Library of Congress
  The Library of Congress is the oldest federal cultural institution in the U.S. and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections.
  
  
• Jefferson's Legacy: A Brief History of the Library of Congress  
  Describes the collections, buildings and librarians of the Library of Congress
  

Major U.S. Legislation

Civil Rights:

• Civil Rights Act of 1957      
  An excerpt from the document.
  
  
• Civil Rights Act of 1964       
  Full text of the document.
  
  
• Civil Rights Act of 1991
  Full text of the 1991 amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  
  
• Americans with Disabilities Act
  Text of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended in 2008.
  
  
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as Amended       
  Full text of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, which protects individuals from employment discrimination based on age.
  
  
• Age Discrimination Act of 1975      
  Full text of 1975 law.
  
  
• Equal Credit Opportunity Act         
  Act ensuring that all consumers are given an equal chance to obtain credit.
  
  
• Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972
  Full text of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, which is an ammendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  
  
• Equal Pay Act of 1963
  Full text of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which prohibits sex-based wage discrimination between men and women in the same establishment who are performing under similar working conditions.
  
  
• Fair Housing Act of 1968       
  Act prohibiting housing discrimination on the basis of race, religion, and national origin.
  
  
• Indian Civil Rights Act
  Act which gives Native Americans access to the courts for restoration of rights to their ancestral lands and reparation.
  
  
• Older Americans Act of 1965
  Compilation of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and Related Provisions of Law as Amended through September 30, 1985. Prepared for use by the Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Ninety-Ninth Congress, Second Session.
  
  
• Pregnancy Discrimination Act
  Amendment to the 1964 civil rights act which prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
  
  
• Welfare Reform Act of 1996 (Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996)
  Text of the Welfare Reform Act of 1996 (Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996).
  
  
• The Freedom of Information Act      
  Full text of the Freedom of Information Act in a form showing all amendments to the statute through 2007.
  
  
• The Privacy Act of 1974 
  Text of the Privacy Act of 1974.
  
  
• Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006
  Complete text of the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006.
  
  
• The Voting Rights Act of 1965, As Amended: Reauthorization Issues     
  Explanation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.


• Constitutional Limits on Hate Crime Legislation     
  On the federal level, in light of the U.S. Supreme Court cases, the question remains as to what extent Congress can broaden the classes of individuals subject to hate crime legislation. This report discusses constitutional considerations facing both individual states and Congress in inacting hate crime legislation.


• Hate Crime Legislation     
  
  

Elections:

• Voting Rights Act of 1965
  Explanation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, 3 links to other sections.
  
  
• Federal Election Campaign Laws        
  This 2008 report is a compilation of federal campaign laws prepared by The Federal Election Commission (FEC).
  
  
• Help America Vote Act of 2002
  Full text of the law as well as additional information regarding the Act.
  
  
• Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA)
  Internet links to information on the rules made by the BCRA, including those regarding "soft money" and contribution limits. Includes links to online resources, primarily from the Federal Election Commission site.
  
  

Environment:

• Clean Air Act: A Summary of the Act and Its Major Requirements
  This 2007 CRS Report summarizes the Clean Air Act and its major regulatory requirements.
  
  
• Clean Water Act: A Summary of the Law
  This 2008 CRS Report summarizes the Clean Water Act and its major regulatory requirements.
  
  
• The Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act     
  This is a citizen's guide to the Clean Air Act written in easy-to-understand English.
  
  
• The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended through the 108th Congress.    
  
  
• A History of the Endangered Species Act of 1973    
  
  
• The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 111th Congress: Conflicting Values and Difficult Choices
  This 2010 CRS Report discusses oversight issues and legislation introduced in the 111th Congress to address ESA implementation and management of endangered and threatened species.
  
  
• National Environmental Policy Act of 1969           
  Text of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
  
  
• Superfund (The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act - CERCLA), 1980
  Full text of the Act.
  
  
• Superfund Fact Book        
  Fact book prepared to assist Members and Committees of the U.S. Congress in considering possible Superfund reauthorization legislation. For the most up-to-date information, see Superfund website from the EPA at: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/index.htm.
  
  
• Energy Policy Act of 2005
  Complete text of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
  

Ethics:

• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA)
  Text of the FCPA.
  
  
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act         
  A Congressional Research Service report describing the background and amendments to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
  
  
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: Antibribery Provisions        
  Introduction and description of the antibribery provisions in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Commerce.
  
  
• The International Anti-Bribery and Fair Competition Act of 1998           
  Full text of the Act.
  
  
• Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act   
  Full text of the Act.
  
  
• Political Activity (Hatch Act)           
  Text of the Act that restricts the political activity of executive branch employees of the federal government.
  

Foreign Affairs:

• Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996       
  Text of the LIBERTAD Act.
  
  
• Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 1992
  Text summary of the Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 1992 (FREEDOM Support Act).
  
  
• Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (H.R. 1757)           
  Text of the Act.
  
  
• International Religious Freedom Act of 1998           
  Text of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
  
  
• United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003
  Text of the Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003.
  
  
• HIV/AIDS International Programs: Appropriations             
  Congressional Research Service report on funding for the international AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria programs.
  
  
• The Middle East Partnership Initiative: An Overview        
  Congressional Research Service report that provides a general summary of the program designed to promote political, economic, and educational development in the Middle East.
  
  
• Millenium Challenge Account  
  General summary of the initiative to provide assistance, through a competitive selection process, to developing nations that are pursing political and economic reforms in three areas: ruling justly, investing in people, and fostering economic freedom prepared by the Congressional Research Service.
  

Immigration:

• Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996        
  Text of the act.
  

Internet and Communications:

• Children's Online Protection Act          
  Text of the Children's Online Protection Act.
  
  
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998           
  Text of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998.
  
  
• Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools to End the Exploitation of Children Today Act of 2003 (PROTECT Act)
  Text of the Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools to End the Exploitation of Children Today Act of 2003.
  
  
• Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003
  Text of the CAN-SPAM Act.
  
  
• Digital Millennium Copyright Act          
  Text of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
  
  
• Telecommunications Act of 1996          
  Text of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
  
  
• Fact Sheet: Telecommunications Act of 1996      
  Brief overview of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
  
  
• Copyright Law of the United States of America
  This document contains the text of Title 17 of the United States Code concerning copyright law.
  

National Security:

• War Powers Resolution
  Text of the War Powers Resolution.
          
  
• Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996
  Text of the Act.
  
  
• Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996: A Summary
  General overview of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996.
    
  
• Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT Act) Act of 2001          
  Text of the Act.
  
  
• USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005         
  A report describing the USA PATRIOT Act and the modifications made by the amendments in 2006.
  
  
• Aviation and Transportation Security Act 
  Text of the Act.
    
  

Violent Crime:

• Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993
  Text of the Act.
  
  
• Gun Legislation in the 109th Congress       
  Report for the U.S. Congress that discusses the debate over gun legislation by the Congressional Research Service.
  
  
• Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994       
  Text of the Act.
  
  
• Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994: Fact Sheet      
  U.S. Department of Justice text description of the provisions of the Act.
  

How to Find Laws - Research on U.S. Laws and Regulations:

• Tracking Current Federal Legislation and Regulations: A Guide to Basic Sources
  An explanation on how to track current and past federal legislation, providing specific web addresses and printed resources.
  
  
• Questions and Answers in Legislative and Regulatory Research
  Frequently asked questions and answers regarding details of terminology and process useful in federal regulatory research.
  

Judicial Branch

Overviews

• The Judicial Branch: Interpreting the Constitution    
  An overview of the U.S. court system from Department of State publication Outline of the U.S. Government.


• Understanding the Federal Courts
  Prepared by the Office of Judges Programs, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to provide an introduction to the federal judicial system, its organization, and its relationship to the legislative and executive branches of
  

The Court Systems

How the Courts Work:

• The Changing Face of U.S. Courts
  A discussion of the way courts have changed as court caseloads have surged, media have become increasingly present, and rapid technological advances have helped streamline the management of the courts.
  
  
• How U.S. Courts Work
  An electronic journal that offers a discussion regarding how the U.S. court system works in practice.
  
  
• Access to the Courts: Equal Justice for All
  This journal describes the elements of the American judicial system that help ensure it is seen as fair and independent.


• Anatomy of a Jury Trial
  —provide a crucial service for their fellow citizens.
  

The Supreme Court:

• The U.S. Supreme Court: Equal Justice Under the Law
  The October 2009 edition of eJournal USA describes many aspects of the U.S. Supreme Court.
  
  
• Brief Overview of the U.S. Supreme Court
  A brief overview of the U.S. Supreme Court, including its rulemaking powers and jurisdiction.
  
  
• The Supreme Court of the United States: Highest Court in the Land
  This journal explains how the Supreme Court functions, and illustrates how it commands the respect of Americans and plays a vital role in the constitutional system.
  
  
• Biographies of Current Justices of the Supreme Court
  Brief biographies of U.S. Supreme Court justices as of 2010.

Supreme Court Decisions

• Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. 393 (1856) (USSC+)
  Upholds the institution of slavery.
  
  
• Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U.S. 537 (1896) (USSC+)
  Outlines Jim Crow laws - Separate but equal.
  
  
• Buchanan v. Warley, 245 U.S. 60 (1917) (USSC+)
  Establishes equal access to housing.
  
  
• Shelley v. Kraemer, 334 U.S. 1 (1948) (USSC+)
  Ruling guarantees equal access to housing.
  
  
• Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (1954) (USSC+)
  Outlines the necessity of equal access to education - separate but equal does not work.
  
  
• Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 349 U.S. 294 (1955) (USSC+)
  Brown v. Board of Education upheld for all states.
  
  
• Heart of Atlanta Motel, Inc. v. United States, 379 U.S. 241 (1964) (USSC+)
  Dictates equal access to accommodation.
  
  
• Katzenbach v. McClung, 379 U.S. 294 (1964) (USSC+)
  Ruling that stated that service in a public establishment must not discriminate.
  
  
• Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, 438 U.S. 265 (1978) (USSC+)
  Ruling supporting Affirmative Action in education.
  
  
• United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO-CLC v. Weber, 443 U.S. 193 (1979)
  Ruling supporting Affirmative Action in hiring.
  
  
• Bob Jones University v. United States, 461 U.S. 574 (1983) (USSC+)
  U.S. government support is prohibited from universities that discriminate.
  
  
• Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Pena, 515 U.S. 200 (1995) (USSC+)
  Full text of a court decision regarding affirmative action.
  
  
• Romer v. Evans, 517 U.S. 620 (1996)
  Ruling stating that gays and lesbians can not be denied full protection under the law.
  
  
• Agostini et al. v. Felton et al. (1996-1997)
  A federally-funded program can give supplemental remedial education to disadvantaged children in sectarian schools.
  
  
• Washington et al. v. Glucksberg et al. (1996-1997)
  A right to assisted suicide is not protected.
  
  
• Randon Bragdon, Petitioner v. Sydney Abbott et al. (1997-1998)
  Reproduction does qualify as a major life activity according to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
  
  
• Department of Commerce v. United States House (1998-1999)
  The use of statistical sampling to determine the population for congressional apportionment purposes was prohibited.
  
  
• Boy Scouts of America et al. v. Dale (1998-1999)
  Allows a private organization to exclude whomever it wishes.
  
  
• Troxel et vir. v. Granville (1999-2000)
  Limits the visitation rights of grandparents.
  
  
• United States v. Morrison et al. (1999-2000)
  Examined the limits on the power of U.S. Congress to make laws under the Commerce Clause and the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution.
  
  
• State of Arizona, Complainant v. State of California et al. (2000)
  The Quechan Tribe and the United States on the tribe's behalf assert claims for increased rights to water from the Colorado River.
  
  
• Good News Club et al. v. Milford Central School (2000-2001)
  This case concerns the First Amendment rights of religious groups or clubs to meet in public schools, when the public school in question allowed other (non-religious) groups and clubs to meet in the school.
  
  
• New York Times Co., Inc., et al. v. Tasini et al. (2000-2001)
  Leading decision on the issue of copyright and electronic publication.
  
  
• Zelman, Superintendent of Public Instruction of Ohio, et al. v. Simmons-Harris et al. (2001-2002)
  Case that tested the permissibility of school vouchers in relation to schools that have a religious affiliation.
  
  
• Larry Hope, Petitioner v. Mark Pelzer et al. (2002)
  The right of state prison inmates to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.
  
  
• Grutter v. Bollinger et al. (2002-2003)
  Case in which the affirmative action admissions policy of the University of Michigan Law School was upheld.
  
  
• United States et al. v. American Library Association, Inc., et al.  (2002-2003)
  Public libraries that receive federal assistance to provide Internet access must install internet filters to block images that constitute obscenity or child pornography.
  
  
• Hamdi et al. v. Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, et al. (2003-2004)
  Unlawful combatants who are U.S. citizens must have the ability to challenge their detention before an impartial judge.
  
  
• Cheney, Vice President of the United States, et al. v. United States District Court for the District of Columbia et al.
  Case that explored the Federal Advisory Committee Act's strict transparency requirements.
  
  
• Kelo et al. v. City of New London et al. (2004-2005)
  Case involving the expropriation of private property to transfer land from one private owner to another in order to further economic development.
  
  
• Granholm, Governor of Michigan, et al. v. Heald et al. (2004-2005)
  Laws that permit in-state wineries to ship wine directly to consumers, but prohibit out-of-state wineries from doing the same are unconstitutional.
  
  
• Rapanos et ux., et al. v. United States (2005-2006)
  Case that challenged the Clean Water Act.
  
  
• League of United Latin American Citizens et al. v. Perry, Governor of Texas, et al. (2005-2006)
  Case regarding the violation of the Voting Rights Act by the 2003 Texas redistricting.
  
  

Other Courts:

• Court of International Trade
  A brief overview of the court that deals with cases involving international trade and customs duties.
  
  
• U.S. District Courts
  A brief overview of the U.S. District Court system, including a flow chart.
  
  
• Territorial Courts
  An overview of courts in other territories that function as U.S. district courts.
  
  
• U.S. Bankruptcy Courts
  An overview of the court that hears and decides petitions of individuals and businesses seeking relief from bankruptcy.
  
  
• U.S. Courts of Appeals
  Discusses the courts that hear appeals from the district courts located within their circuit, as well as appeals from decisions of federal administrative agencies.
  
  
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  Provides a brief history of this court in addition to outlining the type of cases it hears.
  
  

Administration of U.S. Courts:

• Administrative Office of the United States Courts
  A brief description of the judicial branch office that supports the U.S. federal courts system. From the U.S. Courts official website, http://www.uscourts.gov/.
  
  
• Court Personnel
  List of the auxiliary staff that is appointed by courts. A list of the auxiliary staff appointed by the U.S. courts. From the U.S. Courts official website, http://www.uscourts.gov/.
  
  
• U.S. Federal Judicial Center
  General overview of the research and education agency of the federal judicial system.
  
  
• The Judicial Conference of the United States
  Provides an overview of the Judicial Conference and its Committees. From the U.S. Courts official website, http://www.uscourts.gov/.
  
  
• Judicial Councils
  A brief discussion of powers and duties of the judicial councils. From the U.S. Courts official website, http://www.uscourts.gov/.
  

Directories:

• Directory of U.S. Courts of Appeals
  A chart containing the districts of the U.S. Court of Appeals and their postal addresses.
  
  
• Directory of U.S. District Courts
  A directory of U.S. district courts, including the number of authorized judgeships and locations for each.

          

Crime and Justice

• An Overview of the United States Sentencing Commission
  A discussion of the role of the agency that develops guidelines for sentencing in federal courts, collects data about crime and sentencing, and serves as a resource on crime and sentencing policy.
  
  
• Glossary of Terms
  A compilation from the Issues of Democracy e-journal of September 1999 series on crime and justice patterns in the United States.             
  
  
• Crime Control: The Federal Response
  Congressional Research Service report on crime control.
  
  
• Criminal Justice in the U.S
  An Issues of Democracy e-journal on crime and justice patterns in the United States.
  
  
• The Evolution of the Death Penalty in the United States
  A brief history of the death penalty in the United States and the legal basis for states' adoption of the penalty. Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State, 2002.
  
  
• Capital Punishment: An Overview of Federal Death Penalty Statutes
  Report by the Congressional Research Service on the legal statutes and procedures of the death penalty in the United States.
  
  
• Drug Control: International Policy and Approaches
  Congressional Research Service report on international efforts to reduce the flow of drugs to the United States.
  
  
• War On Drugs: Legislation in the 108th Congress and Related Developments
  Congressional Research Service report on legislation used by the U.S. to combat drug use.
  
  
• War On Drugs: The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
  Congressional Research Service report evaluating the most visible aspect of the anti-drug work of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
  
  
• Gun Legislation in the 109th Congress
  Congressional Research Service report on U.S. gun control legislation.
  
  
• Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide
  U.S. Department of the Treasury publication providing information on all of the federal laws and regulations governing the manufacture, importation and distribution of firearms.
  
  
• Strategic Approaches to Reducing Firearms Violence: Final Report on the Indianapolis Violence Reduction Partnership
  U.S. Department of Justice report on strategic approaches to reducing firearms violence.