Here is a list of some major U.S. laws and acts:
- Constitution of the United States – The foundational legal document of the United States, establishing the framework of the federal government and its relationship with the states and citizens.
- Bill of Rights – The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms.
- Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Landmark legislation prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
- Voting Rights Act of 1965 – Aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in voting.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 – Prohibits discrimination based on disability and mandates reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 – Establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards.
- Social Security Act of 1935 – Created the Social Security program, providing financial assistance to retirees, the unemployed, and disabled individuals.
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 – Comprehensive healthcare reform law aimed at expanding access to health insurance and reducing healthcare costs.
- Clean Air Act of 1963 – Regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources to protect public health and the environment.
- Clean Water Act of 1972 – Establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters and quality standards for surface waters.
- Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1952 – Governs immigration and citizenship in the United States.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 – Provides eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons.
- Patriot Act of 2001 – Expanded law enforcement’s surveillance and investigative powers to combat terrorism.
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 – Requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions.
- Federal Communications Act of 1934 – Regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 – Ensures workplace safety and health by establishing standards and enforcing compliance.
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) of 1966 – Allows for the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the U.S. government.
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 – Protects patient health information and ensures the privacy and security of medical records.
- Antitrust Laws (Sherman Act, Clayton Act, Federal Trade Commission Act) – Laws designed to promote fair competition and prevent monopolies.
- Consumer Protection Laws (Truth in Lending Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) – Laws aimed at protecting consumers in various financial transactions.
- National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935 – Protects the rights of employees to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities for mutual aid or protection.
- Environmental Protection Act (EPA) of 1970 – Establishes the Environmental Protection Agency, tasked with protecting human health and the environment.
- Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970 – Regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain substances.
- Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code) – Governs bankruptcy proceedings and the restructuring of debts.
- Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) of 1977 – Prohibits U.S. companies and individuals from bribing foreign officials for business purposes.