The Government in My Life

Love it or hate it, the US Government is all over you. In your first blog post, think about your day from beginning to end and write about all the ways that the government impacts you. Think about small things like brushing your teeth (FDA) to big things like paved roads (DOT) on your way to school today. Create a list of your daily routine and then research the different ways in which the Federal government touches you.

Eating meals, brushing teeth, applying make-up
Food & Drug Administration (FDA)- protects public heath by ensuring the safety of drugs, biological products, food supply, tobacco, and cosmetics.

Driving on roads to places
Department of Transportation (DOT)- ensures a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.

Driving past the Harford County Detention Center
Federal Bureau of Prisons- protects society by confining offenders in the controlled environments of prisons and community-based facilities that are safe, humane, cost- efficient, and appropriately secure, and that provide work and other self-improvement opportunities to assist offenders in becoming law-abiding citizens.

Attending school and classes
Department of Education (ED)- promotes student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

Working at Coffee Coffee
U.S. Department of Labor/Bureau of Labor Statistics- pay and benefits

Brad's Produce to pick up crop share

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)- protects American plants and animals

Mailing a letter at the Post office

Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee-issuance of postage stamps

United States Postal Service (USPS)

Shopping at Target/running errands/buying things

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission- protects the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)- consumer protection

Aberdeen Proving Grounds

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)- energy and nuclear security; science discovery and innovation

Going to Rite-Aid, Wal-greens, CVS pharmacy to get a prescription/medical insurance

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)- protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.

Living in my home/neighborhood

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-mission is to create strong, sustainable communities and quality affordable homes for all.

Hiking at Rocks State Park in Forest Hill

U.S. Department of the Interior/Environmental Protection Agency/National Park Service- protects America’s natural resources and heritage, honors our cultures and tribal communities, and supplies the energy to power our future.

Applying for financial aid for college

Federal Student Aid (FSA)- include grants, loans, and work study to help students pay for education beyond high school

Handling money to buy things

Department of the Treasury

Communicating with my cousin in Malawi

Peace Corps- serving the U.S. in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries

http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/All_Agencies/index.shtml