Government laws in the United States encompass a wide array of legal frameworks that regulate how government entities operate and interact with individuals and businesses. Here is a list of key federal and state government laws, organized by category:
Federal Government Laws
- Constitutional Law
- U.S. Constitution: The supreme law of the United States.
- Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
- Civil Rights and Liberties
- Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
- Voting Rights Act of 1965: Aims to eliminate racial discrimination in voting.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990: Prohibits discrimination based on disability.
- Equal Pay Act of 1963: Aims to abolish wage disparity based on sex.
- Criminal Law
- Federal Criminal Code: Outlines federal crimes and penalties.
- Controlled Substances Act: Regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain substances.
- Environmental Law
- Clean Air Act: Regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources.
- Clean Water Act: Establishes standards for water quality and regulates discharges of pollutants.
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their actions.
- Employment and Labor Law
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor standards.
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): Ensures workplace safety and health.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Provides eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons.
- Health Law
- Affordable Care Act (ACA): Expands healthcare coverage and aims to reduce healthcare costs.
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): Protects patient health information and ensures privacy and security.
- Immigration Law
- Immigration and Nationality Act (INA): Governs immigration and citizenship in the United States.
- Consumer Protection Law
- Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Promotes informed use of consumer credit by requiring disclosures about terms and costs.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Regulates the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer information.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Prohibits abusive practices by debt collectors.
- Antitrust Law
- Sherman Antitrust Act: Prohibits monopolistic practices and promotes competition.
- Clayton Act: Addresses specific practices that could lead to anti-competitiveness.
- Tax Law
- Internal Revenue Code (IRC): The primary body of federal tax law.
- Social Security Act: Establishes the Social Security program for retirees, the unemployed, and the disabled.
State Government Laws
- Criminal Law
- State Penal Codes: Define state-specific crimes and penalties.
- Family Law
- Marriage and Divorce Laws: Regulations governing marriage licenses, grounds for divorce, and property division.
- Child Custody and Support Laws: Guidelines for custody arrangements and child support.
- Property Law
- Landlord-Tenant Laws: Rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.
- Real Estate Law: Regulations for buying, selling, and owning property.
- Business and Employment Law
- Business Licensing Laws: Requirements for obtaining and maintaining business licenses.
- State Minimum Wage Laws: Regulations for minimum wage levels in each state.
- Health and Safety Law
- Public Health Laws: Regulations for disease control and health standards.
- Environmental Protection Laws: Standards for air and water quality at the state level.
- Traffic and Vehicle Law
- Speed Limit Laws: Speed regulations for different types of roads.
- Vehicle Registration and Licensing Laws: Procedures for vehicle registration and driver licensing.
- Civil Law
- Contract Law: Rules governing the formation and enforcement of contracts.
- Tort Law: Legal principles for civil wrongs and damages.
- Education Law
- Compulsory Education Laws: Requirements for school attendance.
- Special Education Laws: Protections and services for students with disabilities.
- Election Law
- Voter Registration Laws: Requirements and procedures for registering to vote.
- Election Procedures: Regulations for conducting elections.
- Miscellaneous
- Gun Control Laws: Regulations for the possession and carrying of firearms.
- Alcohol Laws: Regulations for the sale and consumption of alcohol.
- Gambling Laws: Rules governing legal gambling activities.
These laws form a comprehensive framework that governs various aspects of government operation and individual rights at both the federal and state levels in the United States