Federal government structure

The federal government is a large and complex organization. To help better understand its structure and key leadership positions, please start with the following resources:

• United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions (“The Plum Book”)
  A resource of over 9,000 federal civil service positions in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government that may be subject to noncompetitive appointments (political appointees).

• Government Manual
  The Manual provides comprehensive information on the agencies of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. It also includes information on quasi-official agencies; international organizations in which the United States participates; as well as boards, commissions, and committees.

• Federal Register
  Published daily, the Federal Register is the official journal of the federal government.  It contains all federal government agency rules, proposed rules and public notices.

• Government Organizational Chart
  A visual representation of the federal government agency structure.