Government attorneys focus on a particular area of government regulation. These lawyers are often called “regulatory lawyers” and can work for the government itself or work in the private sector helping people interact with the government. Some government law attorneys are also known as “public interest lawyers.” Public interest lawyers tend to focus on those areas where a large group of individuals is affected by government regulation–for example, environmental laws or anti-discrimination laws.

What is Government Law?

The United States federal government consists of three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. The executive branch draws its power from Article Two of the United States Constitution. This article created and vested power in the President to carry out and enforce federal laws, and to serve as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. 

Article One of the Constitution created the legislative branch of the federal government consisting of Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislative branch makes all laws, has the ability to declare war, regulates interstate and foreign commerce, and also controls all taxing and spending policies. Finally, the judicial branch was created by Article Three, and holds the power to hear cases and interpret the laws passed by Congress and signed by the President. 

The legislative and executive branch also create governmental agencies. Governmental agencies and organizations are often charged with enforcing rights and determining which rights are enforceable. 

The federal government has established a number of agencies and programs that implement and enforce laws, such as the Social Security Administration and the Department of Labor. Further, the United States Constitution and its amendments preserve an individual’s rights when confronted with a governmental issue. Thus, U.S. citizens are afforded the right to vote, live free from discrimination, and exchange ideas. 

However, there are certain limitations on an individual’s rights. Other common issues with the government range from income taxes to public education and schools. As noted above, Congress and state legislatures have given power to many governmental agencies to oversee issues of environmental law, social security, taxes, zoning and taxes. It is important for you to be aware of which governmental agency regulates the issue at hand.