Top 20 Essential U.S. Government Web Sites

With hundreds of thousands of U.S. government and government-related websites online today, it can be pretty overwhelming to find exactly what you're looking for—let alone the sites that are actually legitimate.

Instead of sifting through Google searches and then browsing through all sorts of confusing web pages, check out this list of the top United States government sites you need to know about. These picks consistently offer the best user experience, helping you to find what you need quickly, easily, and efficiently.

01

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Best General Government Information Search: USA.gov

What We Like

One-stop resource for government information.
Search directories for easier navigation.
Search other federal, state, and local government websites from one place.

What We Don't Like

Basic search is overwhelming.
Numerous directories take time to browse.

USA.gov serves as the public's access portal into the vast resources available on the web from the U.S. government. No matter what government information or services you're trying to find, this site is your one-stop shop that can help you find it—from health resources and disability services to benefits/grants/loans and jobs/unemployment services.

Go to USA.gov

02

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Best Site for Historical Information: The Library of Congress

What We Like

More than 17 million searchable documents.
Search multiple content types.
Offers "free to use and reuse" historical photographs.

What We Don't Like

Results often refer to documents available in person.
All connections may be in use at peak times, interfering with search.

The Library of Congress is the nation's largest repository of culture, as well as the largest functioning library in the entire world. If you're looking for manuscripts, files, information, or even images and videos, this is one of the best places to start your search.

Go to LOC.gov

03

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Best Site to Learn About the Legislative System: Congress.gov

What We Like

Find public legislative information.
Find information on former and current congress members.
Save searches for future reference.

What We Don't Like

Older legislative information is not available.
Full text of bills is not always available.

The Congress.gov website is where you can find federal legislation freely available for the general public. There is also information about current and past congressional members and the bills that have been or are before Congress. Additionally, this website retains information about the U.S. legal system and legal data.

Go to Congress.gov

04

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Best Site for Access to Federal Government Publications: Federal Depository Library Program

What We Like

Materials available include electronic, CD, microfiche, and paper.
Search for depository by state.
Offers a quick start guide for new users.

What We Don't Like

Retrieve publications at public depositories.
Libraries are not required to circulate depository materials.
Some features are locked behind a login.

From the Articles of Confederation to a Statistical Abstract of the United States, if you're looking for an American historical document, you'll probably find it at the Federal Depository Library Program. You can also access government information published by the U.S. Congress, Federal agencies, and the Federal courts from this site.

Go to the Federal Depository Library Program

05

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Best Site for Kids: Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids

Ben's Guide to Government for Kids website

What We Like

Engaging interactive learning games.
Learning adventures display age-related information.

What We Don't Like

Lacks advanced search.
Navigation is not intuitive.

Ben's Guide is an excellent introduction to the U.S. government. According to the website, it's designed to provide learning tools for K-12 students, parents, and teachers. It includes the use of the primary source materials of GPO Access and explains how to use them.

Go to Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government

06

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Best Site for Prevention and Wellness Information: Healthfinder.gov

What We Like

Browse health topics alphabetically.
Resources for local health providers.
Offers preventative service recommendations.

What We Don't Like

No advanced search feature.
Service sources have not been reviewed for several years.

Healthfinder.gov is one of the best places to find government-related health and human services information on the web. Over 1,500 health-related organizations are represented here. Search for something in the search field or browse topics from A to Z.

Go to Healthfinder.gov

07

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Best Site for Vital Records: National Center for Health Statistics

What We Like

Access vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates.
Statistical data for research and reports.

What We Don't Like

Lacks advanced search.
Cluttered, text-heavy pages are difficult to read.

If you're wondering how to obtain vital records, then the National Center for Health Statistics, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), is the best place to start. Every state is represented here, with detailed information on how to go about getting what you need.

Go to the National Center for Health Statistics

08

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Best Site for the Latest Presidential News and Events: Whitehouse.gov

What We Like

Email updates available.
Topic tabs simplify browsing.
Ability to stream live events.

What We Don't Like

Cannot browse by date.
No sitemap.

Whitehouse.gov not only gives you the latest presidential news, but you can also find out the President's official stance on a plethora of policy issues, from budget management to national defense. Live events can also be streamed from this website.

Go to Whitehouse.gov

09

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Best Site for Information About the U.S. Population: U.S. Census Bureau

What We Like

American FactFinder provides statistics about communities.
Interactive map provides data at a glance.
Library of infographics, fact sheets, and audio.

What We Don't Like

Overwhelming amount of information.
News and press releases mixed with data results.

Want U.S. population info? How about the latest census findings? You can find answers to these questions and a whole lot more at the U.S. Census Bureau. This website is also a good place to find trends in U.S. population and business changes.

Go to Census.gov

10

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Best Site for Accessing a Wide Range of Worldwide Info: Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook

What We Like

Updated weekly.
Print version available.
Public domain.

What We Don't Like

Geared toward government officials.
Data discrepancies between sources.

Find detailed geographical, demographic, and statistical information for every country in the world at the CIA World Factbook. Information is also available in a free download form for easy offline access.

Go to the CIA's World Factbook

11

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Best Site for Veterans Benefits and Services: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

What We Like

Wide range of topics.
Request records directly.
Quick access to prescription refills, appointment scheduling, and more.

What We Don't Like

Cluttered main page.
No sitemap or category list.

If you're a veteran, then you need to put the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website in your bookmarks immediately. You can find information about prescription refills, veterans affairs forms, health care benefits, military records, education resources, and much more.

Go to VA.gov

12

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Best Site for Emergency and Disaster Information: Federal Emergency Management Agency

What We Like

Search flood zones on map.
Mobile app provides advanced features.
Available in multiple languages.

What We Don't Like

Simplistic, outdated layout.
Clunky browse feature.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website is a great resource for the latest emergency headlines, disaster preparedness information, and how to apply for federal or state emergency assistance.

Go to FEMA.gov

13

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Best Site for Federal Income Taxes: Internal Revenue Service

What We Like

Tax forms, publications, and instructions.
View and pay accounts online.

What We Don't Like

Article and video images may be distracting.
No FAQ page.
It's the IRS.

No, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) probably isn't where you want to spend too much of your time, but it's a rich resource of information when you need to find details about filing federal income taxes.

Go to IRS.gov

14

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Best Site for Your National Postage Needs: The United States Postal Service

What We Like

Track and manage deliveries.
Change address online.
Order postage supplies.

What We Don't Like

Doesn't display correctly in older browsers.
Tech support only available during business hours.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a wonderful resource. You can print postage and labels online, change your address, stop your mail while you're on vacation, and a whole lot more.

Go to USPS.com

15

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Best Site for Ocean, Waterway and Atmospheric Info: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association

What We Like

Find weather forecasts, watches and warnings on national map.
View real-time satellite imagery.

What We Don't Like

Icons describing page tabs might be unclear.
No FAQs.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is a treasure trove for weather junkies or anyone else who wants to stay on top of weather happenings, as well as oceanic research and new aquatic developments.

Go to NOAA

16

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Best Site for Historical Records and Info: The National Archives

What We Like

Rich resource for genealogists.
Research specific topics.
View online exhibits.

What We Don't Like

Cluttered main page is distracting.
Many records are unavailable online.

Research your genealogical history, delve into historical topics, and view historical documents and photos of all kinds at the National Archives.

Go to the National Archives

17

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Best Site for Managing Your Social Security: Social Security Online

What We Like

Tools available for benefits planning.
Read about Social Security news.

What We Don't Like

Unable to perform some tasks online.
Lack of advanced search.

Need to apply for Social Security benefits? Want to replace your Medicare card? How about planning for your retirement, qualifying for disability, or getting help with name changes? You can do all these things and more on the Social Security Administration's website.

Go to Social Security Administration

18

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Best Site for Scientific Info About Natural Hazards: U.S. Geological Survey

What We Like

Real-time data on earth observations.
Information on potential hazards and threats.
Tons of maps.

What We Don't Like

Some pages are cluttered and difficult to navigate.
No FAQs.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is one of the most interesting sites on the internet. "As an unbiased, multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water, we are dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us," it states. Here, you can find topographic maps, real-time science data, and more.

Go to USGS.gov

19

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Best Site for Local News and Info: State Government Information

What We Like

Read state and local newspapers and periodicals.
Interactive map simplifies search.

What We Don't Like

Search is not intuitive.
No sitemap or advanced search.

Part of the Library of Congress, this website lets you search for state and local government information. You can also access the National Conference of State Legislatures to learn more about legislation affecting your state.

Another resource to State (and local) government information is State & Local Government on the Net.

Go to State Government Information

20

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Best Site for Finding Local Government Contact Info: Local Government Information

What We Like

Find contact information at the state level.
Locate specific department information, such as tribal or consumer protection offices.
Easy to use.

What We Don't Like

Not an independent site.
No advanced search.

Though technically a part of the USA.gov website, you can use the Local Government finder to locate information about your local government, including city and county websites, links to specific information (such as driver's license requirements), and news relevant to that municipality.

Go to Local Governments