Government Web Tools
Dateline: 05/17/99
The hardest place to find anything is in a pile of everything.
So, here you are, at this instant, peering into the biggest pile of everything in human history -- the Internet.
Is everything online? Not quite. But, whether Al Gore invented
it or not, the Internet made more information about the US Government available to
more people than ever before and digging your way in Federal Web Space requires some
tools. Here is a good basic set to get you started.
Agency Index Tool
The one tool you must have. Just about every agency, bureau, office,
member of Congress and President now has a web site filled with information about who they
are, what they do, how they can help you, and how to contact them. Forget trying to
bookmark all the sites or remember the URLs, because there are thousands of government web
sites with more being added every day. You'll find a good Site
Index to be a tool you'll use on almost every search.
Congress & Legislative Tools
You hear about important "bills" and "resolutions" being
debated, but have you ever read one, or followed its progress through Congress? For a look
at the basics of how bills become laws, try reading "The
Legislative Process" and visiting the House
and Senate web sites themselves. Then refer to "Bill Tracker" containing tools for finding and keeping up
with the progress (or lack thereof) of specific bills through the process. 11/27/98 Also,
read "Congressional Committee System," because that's
where bills go to die. Finally, for quick-links to the current status of major or
interesting bills, check on the Legislative Update page. Of
course, you might also want to read the Unites States Constitution.
Government Official Contact Tools
Simple, personal, and sincere letters to elected US Government officials really
are effective. You just need to find their
email addresses. And if you don't know what to write after "Dear
Senator...," you might want to take a look at some pointers on
writing effect letters to government officials.
Freedom of Expression Tool
A good old fashioned (and free) electronic bulletin board like this is just what
you need. Always open and ready for your opinions, suggestions or questions, the Free Opinion Bulletin Board is your voice to the world.
Consumer Awareness Tools
The Internet provides federal "watchdog" agencies a direct channel for
interaction with American consumers. Here are tools for keeping up
with recalls and filing complaints on and off line. (More complaints resources) While not really
"consumer-focused" Most Wanted Lists presents links to
pictures and details of crimes, suspects, victims, and missing persons sought by Federal
law enforcement agencies.
Government Forms Tool
Remember driving to the post office praying to the audit gods that they had a copy of the
tax form you needed? Forget that. Many federal agencies now have some, if not most, of
their forms online. Most form can be downloaded and printed using another indispensable
web tool -- Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free). Among the most
requested forms include Passport forms and Veterans Health Benefit forms. Among the best developed agency
forms download sites are these from the Department of Defense and the
"mother of all forms sites," the IRS.
Federal Job Hunting Tools
By far the most popular page on this web site is Job
Openings in U.S. Government which offers links directly to the vacancy listing web
sites of dozens of agencies. On the State level, Jobs in State
Government features links to either vacancy listings or the employment information
sites of all 50 States and the District of Columbia. For those interested in working for
the US Military, try Jobs for Civilians at US Military Facilities.
As you surf around US Government Info Resources, you will discover many more useful tools for government web research, so keep your "bookmark finger" warmed up.
