Departments
Definition
These are major administrative units with responsibility for a broad area of government operations. Department status usually indicates a permanent national interest in a particular governmental function, such as defense, commerce, or agriculture.
Analogy
Departments are like different sections in a supermarket - produce, dairy, bakery etc. Each section has its own responsibilities but all work together for smooth functioning of the supermarket (government).
Related terms
Bureaucracy: The complex structure of offices, tasks, rules and principles of organization that large institutions use to coordinate their work.
Executive Branch: The branch of federal and state government responsible for implementing, supporting and enforcing laws made by legislative branch.
Administrative Discretion: Authority given by Congress to Federal bureaucracy to use reasonable judgement in implementing laws.
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