Explore the pivotal government buildings and institutions in Washington D.C., including The White House, the United States Capitol, the Supreme Court, and more. Delve into the roles and responsibilities of each department and learn about the rich history that shapes the United States.
The White House
Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
Description: The official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. It is an iconic neoclassical building that serves as the principal workplace of the President and is also the residence of the First Family.
The United States Capitol
Location: East Capitol Street NE & First Street SE, Washington, D.C.
Description: The home of the United States Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. It is an iconic domed building and an important symbol of the United States.
The Supreme Court of the United States
Location: 1 First Street NE, Washington, D.C.
Description: The highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. It consists of nine Justices, including a Chief Justice, who interpret the Constitution and federal laws.
The Pentagon
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Description: The headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. It is a large, five-sided building that houses the offices of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, among others.
The Library of Congress
Location: 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D.C.
Description: The largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts in its collections. It serves as the research arm of the U.S. Congress and is also open to the public.
The United States Department of State
Location: 2201 C Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Description: The executive department responsible for foreign policy and international relations. It is led by the Secretary of State, who is a member of the President's Cabinet.
The United States Department of the Treasury
Location: 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
Description: The executive department responsible for managing government revenue and producing coins and banknotes. It is led by the Secretary of the Treasury, who is a member of the President's Cabinet.
The United States Department of Justice
Location: 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
Description: The executive department responsible for enforcing federal laws and ensuring public safety. It is led by the Attorney General, who is a member of the President's Cabinet.
The Federal Reserve
Location: 20th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
Description: The central banking system of the United States. It is responsible for implementing monetary policy and regulating the nation's financial institutions.
The United States Department of Homeland Security
Location: 245 Murray Lane SW, Washington, D.C.
Description: The executive department responsible for protecting the United States from various threats, including natural disasters, terrorism, and other emergencies. It is led by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Description: The USDA is responsible for supporting the American agricultural economy to ensure a food supply that is safe, abundant, and affordable. They offer programs that support farmers, promote sustainable agriculture, and protect natural resources.
Location: 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, D.C.
The United States Department of Energy (DOE)
Description: The DOE works to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through science and innovation. They handle policies regarding energy production, consumption, and research.
Location: 1000 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Description: The HHS protects the health of all Americans and provides essential human services, with almost 25% of all federal outlays, and it administers more grant dollars than all other federal agencies combined. They work to enhance the health and well-being of Americans.
Location: 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C.
The United States Department of Education
Description: The Department of Education works to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access to educational opportunity.
Location: 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Description: The VA provides vital services to veterans, including healthcare, benefits programs, and access to national cemeteries for veterans and their dependents. They work to ensure that veterans receive the care and support they have earned.
Location: 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Description: HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. They are responsible for addressing America's housing needs, improving and developing communities, and enforcing fair housing laws.
Location: 451 7th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C.
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT)
Description: The DOT oversees federal transportation projects and promotes public safety in the realm of transportation. They work to ensure 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.
Location: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington, D.C.
The United States Department of Labor (DOL)
Description: The DOL fosters and promotes the welfare of job seekers, wage earners, and retirees by improving working conditions, advancing opportunities for profitable employment, and protecting retirement and health care benefits.
Location: 200 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
The United States Department of Commerce
Description: The Commerce Department works with businesses, universities, communities, and the Nation's workers to promote job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, and improved living standards for all Americans.
Location: 1401 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
The United States Department of the Interior (DOI)
Description: The DOI conserves and manages the Nation's natural resources and cultural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people, provides scientific and scholarly information about those resources and natural heritage, and honors its special responsibilities to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities.
Location: 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Description: NARA is an independent agency of the United States government charged with preserving and documenting government and historical records. They also manage the Presidential Libraries system.
Location: 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
The Smithsonian Institution
Description: The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, consisting of 19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, and a zoo. It is an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.
Location: 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, D.C.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Description: The FBI is the principal federal investigative agency and domestic intelligence service of the United States, which operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice. They are tasked with enforcing federal laws and protecting the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats.
Location: 935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Description: The CIA is the principal foreign intelligence and counterintelligence agency of the U.S. federal government. The CIA reports to the Director of National Intelligence and is tasked with providing national security intelligence assessment to senior United States policymakers.
Location: Langley, Virginia
