Purposes of the Federal Government

Overview/Description
 How did the United States federal government become the world's largest purchaser of goods and services? The answer begins with an understanding of its many responsibilities. In this course, you will learn what each area of the federal government does, so that you can begin to see what goods or services it requires and be able to deal effectively with intergovernmental departments and agencies.

Target Audience
 Business professionals who sell goods and services to the federal government, and those persons who must deal with the federal government to obtain permits, licenses, and address other regulatory needs.

Expected Duration
3.0 hours

Lesson Objectives:

Fiscal Responsibilities

  • recognize the benefits of understanding the federal government's responsibilities in the area of fiscal control.
  • identify the federal government's fiscal responsibilities in the area of treasury management.
  • identify the Federal Reserve Board's fiscal responsibilities as an independent agency of the federal government.
  • identify the tools used by the Federal Reserve Board to conduct monetary policy.
  • distinguish between the CMO and OMB responsibilities in the federal government.

    • Social Responsibilities

  • recognize the benefits of understanding the federal government's responsibilities in the area of social control.
  • identify the federal government's responsibilities for education.
  • identify the federal government's responsibilities for health and welfare.
  • match the federal government's responsibility for law and order to its specific department.

    • Resources and Commerce Responsibilities

  • recognize the benefits of understanding the federal government's responsibilities in the areas of resources and commerce.
  • identify the federal government's responsibilities for the nation's infrastructure.
  • identify the federal government's responsibilities for American agriculture through the USDA.
  • match the environmental responsibilities to the appropriate departments within the federal government.
  • identify the federal government's energy responsibilities.
  • identify the federal government's industry and trade responsibilities.

    • External Responsibilities

  • recognize the benefits of understanding the federal government's responsibilities in the area of external control.
  • identify the federal government's foreign relations responsibilities.
  • identify the federal government's responsibilities in the area of defense and national security.

    • Course Number: IND0102