What is the difference between a Department and an Agency in the U.S. Federal Government?

Question

Agencies are more heavily funded by the Congressional Federal Budget.

Departments have a direct connection to Congress and can impact laws.

Agencies have more power and can regulate a larger sector of society.

Departments are those agencies that are part of the Presidential Cabinet.

Answer 1

The primary difference between a Department and an Agency in the U.S. federal government lies in their structure and function:

1. Departments: These are major administrative units that have broad responsibilities. There are currently 15 executive departments, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Education. Each department is headed by a Secretary who is a member of the President's Cabinet. Departments are responsible for implementing federal laws and policies, and they typically have a larger scope of authority compared to agencies.

2. Agencies: These can be part of a department or operate independently. They are usually created to handle specific functions, such as regulatory oversight or specialized tasks. Examples of agencies include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Agencies can vary in size and funding but are often focused on narrower areas compared to departments.

In summary, the statement that "Departments are those agencies that are part of the Presidential Cabinet" is accurate. Departments are larger and oversee broader areas, whereas agencies may have specific missions or regulatory powers, often functioning under the umbrella of a department or as independent entities.