The United States Postal Service (USPS), also known as the Post Office, U.S. Mail, or Postal Service, is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the United States, including its insular areas and associated states. It is one of the few government agencies explicitly authorized by the United States Constitution. Founded on July 1, 1775, with Benjamin Franklin as its first postmaster general, USPS has grown to become one of the largest postal services in the world, delivering more than 173 million pieces of first-class mail daily. The USPS operates over 31,000 retail locations and has a fleet of over 200,000 vehicles, making it one of the largest civilian vehicle fleets in the world. Did You Know? The USPS has its own law enforcement arm, the United States Postal Inspection Service, which is one of the oldest federal law enforcement agencies in the country. This specialized service is tasked wi...

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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is a crucial agency of the United States federal government, responsible for the collection of taxes and the enforcement of tax laws. Established in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln, the agency operates under the authority of the Department of the Treasury. Its primary function is to administer the Internal Revenue Code, with the collection of federal income taxes being its most well-known duty. The IRS is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and operates numerous local offices across the country to facilitate tax collection and taxpayer assistance. Over the years, the agency has evolved to incorporate modern technology in its operations, including electronic filing (e-filing) systems that have significantly streamlined the tax submission process for millions of Americans. Did You Know? - The IRS employs over 74,000 people, making it one of the largest government agencies in the United States. - The agency's first income tax was imposed in 1862 t...

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a pivotal agency of the U.S. federal government that administers social security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits. Established on August 14, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the SSA was created as part of the New Deal, a series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations enacted in response to the Great Depression. Headquartered in Woodlawn, Maryland, the SSA operates its services through a nationwide network of over 1,200 offices, including regional offices, field offices, card centers, and processing centers. The agency also manages the Social Security number (SSN) system, which has become a de facto national identification number for taxation and other purposes. Did You Know? The first Social Security card was issued in 1936, but the first monthly retirement benefits check, in the amount of $22.54, was not paid until January 1940 to Ida May Ful...

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the principal federal law enforcement agency of the United States, operating under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice. Founded on July 26, 1908, as the Bureau of Investigation (BOI), it adopted its current name in 1935. The FBI's mission encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including the enforcement of federal laws, counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and criminal investigations. It is headquartered in the J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington, D.C., and operates 56 field offices across major cities throughout the United States, along with over 400 resident agencies in smaller cities and areas. The FBI employs over 35,000 people, including special agents and support professionals such as intelligence analysts, language specialists, scientists, and information technology specialists. The agency's investigative priorities are constantly evolving but traditionally include terrorism, cybercrime, public corruption...

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The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is a pivotal federal agency responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government directly related to national security and the United States Armed Forces. Established in 1947, the DoD was created through the merger of the Department of War (formerly the War Department) and the Department of the Navy into a single department. It is headquartered at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, making it one of the world's largest office buildings. The Department of Defense is led by the Secretary of Defense, who is a civilian and a member of the Cabinet, making it one of the few federal agencies to be headed by a civilian rather than a military official. This structure underscores the American principle of civilian control of the military. The DoD is the largest employer in the world, with over 1.3 million active-duty service members as of 2020, and an additional 800,000 reserve forces. Did You Know? The Depa...

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency within the United States tasked with public security, roughly equivalent to the interior or home ministries of other countries. Its primary missions involve anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cyber security, and disaster prevention and management. Established in response to the September 11 attacks, DHS officially began operations on March 1, 2003, amalgamating 22 federal departments and agencies into a unified, integrated cabinet agency. DHS is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and operates under the leadership of the Secretary of Homeland Security. With over 240,000 employees, DHS is one of the largest federal agencies, showcasing a diverse range of roles from cybersecurity analysts to the Coast Guard and Secret Service. Did You Know? - The creation of DHS was the largest U.S. government reorganization since the Department of Defense was established via the National Security Act of 1947. - DHS...

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The United States Department of Justice (DOJ), often referred to simply as the Justice Department, is a federal executive department of the U.S. government tasked with the enforcement of federal laws and administration of justice. Established on July 1, 1870, during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, the DOJ's origins can be traced back to the Judiciary Act of 1789, which created the Office of the Attorney General, but it wasn't until nearly a century later that it was established as an executive department. The Department of Justice is headed by the Attorney General, who is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. As the chief law enforcement officer and lawyer for the government, the Attorney General oversees a vast portfolio of federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), among others. Did You Know? The DOJ operates the largest ...

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The United States Department of State, often referred to simply as the State Department, is a federal executive department responsible for implementing the foreign policy of the United States and aiding U.S. citizens abroad. Established on July 27, 1789, it is the nation's oldest executive department. The Department is headquartered in the Harry S Truman Building in Washington, D.C. The State Department's primary role is to promote American foreign policy interests around the globe, representing the U.S. at the United Nations and other international organizations. It manages diplomatic missions, including embassies and consulates in foreign countries, and is responsible for issuing passports and visas to U.S. citizens and visitors. Did You Know? The State Department has a fascinating artifact collection, including gifts given to U.S. Presidents and Secretaries of State by foreign dignitaries, which is part of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. Among these treasures is a desk made fro...

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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a renowned business organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established on April 22, 1912, it represents the interests of more than three million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. It is known for being the world's largest business organization, advocating for pro-business policies that help businesses thrive on both a national and international scale. The Chamber operates with the mission to support the American business community from the ground up, focusing on policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and a favorable business environment. It is particularly influential in the American political landscape, lobbying on issues ranging from tax policy to environmental regulations. Did You Know? The U.S. Chamber of Commerce was created at the suggestion of President William Howard Taft as a counterbalance to the labor movement of the early 20th century. It has since grown to have a significant influence on U.S. public pol...

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Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. (CNI) is a prominent American company that operates as a holding entity for a conglomerate of businesses owned by the Chickasaw Nation, a federally recognized Native American nation. Established in 1996, CNI is headquartered in Norman, Oklahoma, and serves as a testament to the economic diversification and entrepreneurial spirit of the Chickasaw Nation. The company's operations span a wide range of sectors including defense, healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology, among others. CNI is dedicated to fostering the economic development of the Chickasaw Nation, providing employment opportunities for its citizens, and contributing to the welfare of the broader community. The company's business ventures are guided by principles of sustainability, excellence, and community service, reflecting the cultural values of the Chickasaw people. Did You Know? Chickasaw Nation Industries plays a significant role in supporting educational and cultural...

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