These general indexes provide access to U.S. government documents from all branches of government. For specialized indexes for the branches of government, see the box for each of the branches below.
The executive branch of the U.S. government generally enforces laws made by the legislative branch. It includes the Office of the President, the Office of the VIce President, and secretaries of agencies on the president's cabinet. The official organizational chart of the US Government appears in the US Government Manual. The US Government Manual lists all agencies, their histories, defines their purpose and activities, and includes names of heads and directors. For a more detailed explanation and list of sources, see the Agencies tab of the Government Information subject guide.
Congress (House of Representatives and the Senate) make the laws for the United States. Information that Congress produces includes laws (bills, laws, legislative histories) and hearings. Hearings are a method by which committee members gather information. Business dealt with in hearings may be broadly classified into four types: legislative, oversight, investigative, and consideration of presidential nominations. Many hearings contain expert testimony and can be very useful for your research. For a more detailed explanation and list of sources, see the Legislative tab of the Government Information subject guide.
The three branches — legislative, executive, and judicial — operate within a constitutional system of “checks and balances.” Federal laws are passed by Congress and signed by the President. The judicial branch decides the constitutionality of federal laws and resolves other cases involving federal laws. The Supreme Court does not hear appeals as a matter of right; instead, parties must petition the Court for a writ of certiorari. For a more detailed explanation and list of sources, see the Judicial tab of the Government Information subject guide.