The United States Government Manual is the official handbook of the Federal Government. It provides comprehensive and authoritative information about the legislative, judicial and executive branches of our government. Quasi-official agencies and international organizations with U.S. membership and Federal boards, commissions and committees are also included in this publication. The major focus is on programs and activities.
In the section for the legislative branch, for example, information is available for: Congress, the Architect of the Capitol, United States Botanical Garden, Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Government Printing Office (GPO), Library of Congress and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
There are three (3) appendices to the manual: commonly used abbreviations and acronyms; terminated and transferred agencies and agencies appearing in the Code of Federal Regulations. An example of acronyms would be: Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association); Farmer Mac (Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation); Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Corporation); and Ginnie Mae (Government National Mortgage Association).
This publication is available online from the 1995-96 edition through the 2011 edition at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collection.action?collectionCode=GOVMAN. The State Library holds paper copies which are available in room 341 of the State House, Mondays through Fridays from 9 am to 5 pm.
