Government Regulations

Ex Post Facto: Retroactive Laws and Their Implications
Ex Post Facto laws refer to legislation that retroactively changes the legal status or consequences of actions that were committed before the enactment of the law. Such laws are generally prohibited by the United States Constitution.
Excise Tax: A Comprehensive Overview
Excise Tax is a tax imposed on specific goods, activities, or services. Unlike income or property taxes, excise taxes are applied primarily to the manufacture, sale, or consumption of goods such as tobacco, gasoline, and alcohol.
Executive Pay Over One Million Dollars Tax Law: US Tax Legislation Overview
A comprehensive overview of the 1993 US tax law that limits the deductible executive compensation by publicly held corporations to $1 million per year, with exceptions for productivity-linked compensation.
Exempt Status: Tax-Exempt Organizations
Certain organizations, such as churches, government entities, and community chests, are exempt from taxation. They must apply for exempt status and file information returns despite no tax liabilities.
Extension of Time for Filing: Additional Period for Tax Return Submission
An extension of time for filing provides an additional period during which a tax return may be filed without penalty. For instance, U.S. taxpayers can obtain an automatic six-month extension for individual tax returns by submitting Form 4868 by April 15.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Federal Law Setting Minimum Wages and Overtime Rules
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is a federal law enacted in 1938 that sets minimum hourly wages and maximum working hours. It also mandates that employees receive time and a half for work beyond 40 hours in a week.
Farm Service Agency: Supporting Rural Agriculture
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is an agency of the U.S. federal government that provides mortgage loans at below-market interest rates for farmers and individuals serving the agricultural community.
Farmers Home Administration (FmHA): U.S. Rural Development
Comprehensive overview of the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA), detailing its role in providing assistance programs for homes and farms in rural areas, its reorganization, and the transition of its functions to the Farm Service Agency (FSA).
FDA: Food and Drug Administration Overview
An overview of the Food and Drug Administration, focusing on its roles, responsibilities, structure, history, and significance in public health and safety.
Federal Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC): Examination of the Financial Crisis
An overview of the Federal Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC), a panel created by President Barack Obama in 2009 to investigate the causes of the financial crisis in the United States.
Federal Deficit (Surplus): Comprehensive Guide
An in-depth exploration of federal deficit (surplus), causes, implications, types of government debt, historical context, and related terms.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: Regulating Energy Transmission
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is an independent agency responsible for regulating the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil, reviewing proposals for LNG terminals and pipelines, and licensing hydropower projects.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA): Enhancing Housing Accessibility Since 1934
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), founded in 1934, is a key agency within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It administers various loan, loan guarantee, and loan insurance programs to boost housing availability.
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA): U.S. Government Agency for Housing Oversight
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is a U.S. government agency established in 2008 to oversee housing-related government-sponsored enterprises, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks.
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA): Publicly Owned Government-Sponsored Enterprise
The Federal National Mortgage Association, known as Fannie Mae, is a publicly owned Government-Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) chartered in 1938 to purchase mortgages from lenders and resell them to investors.
Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC): Key Committee in the Federal Reserve System
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is a key component of the Federal Reserve System responsible for setting short-term monetary policy for the United States. It consists of the seven governors of the Federal Reserve Board, the president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, and the presidents of four other regional Federal Reserve Banks.
Federal Power Commission (FPC): Historical Overview
An overview of the Federal Power Commission (FPC), its historical role, and its transition into the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Federal Tax Lien: The Government's Legal Claim On Your Property
A Federal Tax Lien is a legal claim by the United States on a taxpayer's property when the taxpayer neglects or fails to pay a tax debt owed to the federal government.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Regulatory Body Overview
An overview of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), its history, roles, responsibilities, and its impact on consumer protection and antitrust regulations in the United States.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Overview and Importance
Detailed explanation of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), its role in maintaining free enterprise and competition, and its historical significance.
Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA): Federal Unemployment Insurance Paid by Employers
The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) establishes a federal framework for unemployment insurance, requiring employers to contribute to the federal unemployment fund based on employee wages, with provisions for state tax credits.
FICA: Social Security Act of 1935
FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act, a law enacted as part of the Social Security Act of 1935, mandating payroll taxes to fund Social Security and Medicare programs.
Fiscalist: Economist Supporting Government Intervention via Taxation and Spending
An in-depth exploration of Fiscalist economists who advocate for the use of government taxation and spending to influence economic performance, in contrast to Monetarists who emphasize monetary policy.
Forfeiture: Permanent Loss of Property for Legal Non-Compliance
Forfeiture refers to the permanent loss of property for failure to comply with the law, involving the divestiture of the title of property without compensation for a default or an offense.
Form 1065: U.S. Tax Form for Partnerships and Joint Ventures
Form 1065 is utilized by partnerships and joint ventures in the United States to report financial information to the IRS. This article explores the purpose, components, filing process, and important considerations associated with Form 1065.
Form 1099: U.S. Tax Reporting Form
A comprehensive guide on Form 1099, its usage, types, and reporting requirements for interest, dividends, royalties, capital gains, miscellaneous income, and other distributions.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): Federal Law for Public Access to Government Information
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law requiring that, with specified exemptions, documents and materials generated or held by federal agencies be made available to the public. Exemptions include issues relating to national security.
Full Faith and Credit: Government Financial Guarantee
A comprehensive explanation of the term 'Full Faith and Credit,' which refers to the complete taxing and borrowing authority pledged for the payment and repayment of government bonds.
FUTA: Federal Unemployment Tax Act
The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) imposes a federal employer tax used to help fund state workforce agencies and unemployment benefits.
General Accounting Office (GAO): Overview and Functions
The General Accounting Office (GAO), now known as the Government Accountability Office, is a legislative branch government agency that provides auditing, evaluation, and investigative services for the United States Congress.
General Revenue: Comprehensive Overview for State and Local Governments
An in-depth look at General Revenue in state and local governments, encompassing the total revenue less income from utilities, sales of alcoholic beverages, and insurance trusts.
Ginnie Mae: Government National Mortgage Association
Ginnie Mae is a nickname for the Government National Mortgage Association, which guarantees mortgage-based securities. Learn about its role, types of securities, historical context, and more.
Government Rectangular Survey: A Comprehensive Guide
A detailed overview of the Government Rectangular Survey system, its structure, historical context, and its application in land measurement and division in the United States.
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Amendment: Federal Deficit Reduction Legislation
An overview of the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Amendment, a federal legislation passed in 1986 aimed at reducing budget deficits by setting deficit reduction goals and mandating expenditure reductions if Congress fails to meet these goals.
Grandfather Clause: Provision in Regulation
A grandfather clause is a provision in a new rule that exempts individuals or businesses already engaged in the regulated activity from adhering to the new regulation.
Historic Structure: Building Recognized for Historic Significance
A historic structure is a building that is officially recognized for its historic significance. Special tax laws provide tax credits for the rehabilitation of such structures.
Homestead Exemption: Property Tax Relief for Homeowners
The Homestead Exemption is a legal provision that reduces the assessed value of a principal residence, thereby lowering the property tax burden for homeowners. This entry explores its mechanisms, examples, historical context, and related terms.
Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008: Addressing the Subprime Crisis
A detailed overview of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, its provisions, implications, and impact on the housing market and government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs).
Housing Bond: Financing for Housing and Community Projects
A housing bond is a short- or long-term bond issued by a local housing authority to finance various types of housing and community projects, particularly those aimed at low- and middle-income residents.
IDB (Industrial Development Board): An Overview
The Industrial Development Board (IDB) is a governmental or quasi-governmental entity that promotes industrial growth and economic development through policy implementation and funding programs.
Import Quota: Imposed Limits on Goods
Import quotas are restrictions set by governments or other entities to control the amount of a specific good that can enter a country or economy over a specified period.
Income Redistribution: Equitable Allocation of Wealth
Income Redistribution - A way of spending personal income among various classes in society, designed to reduce economic inequality through mechanisms such as progressive taxation and the federal estate tax.
Income Tax Rebate Plan: A $168 Billion Economic Stimulus in 2008
An overview of the Income Tax Rebate Plan included in the 2008 economic stimulus bill proposed by President George W. Bush, detailing tax rebates, loan limit increases, and business incentives.
Income Tax Return: A Comprehensive Guide
A detailed overview of Income Tax Returns, covering Form 1040, Form 1120, and Form 1065, alongside their types, special considerations, examples, historical context, and more.
Indexation: The Process of Relating Economic Variables to Indicators
Detailed exploration of Indexation – the process of adjusting economic variables based on specific indicators, typically to inflation. Includes examples such as Federal income taxes and prevention of bracket creep.
Instrumentality: Federal Agency Obligations Explained
An in-depth overview of Instrumentality in the context of federal agencies whose obligations, while not direct obligations of the U.S. government, are sponsored or guaranteed by the government, backed by the full faith and credit of the government.
Insured Mail: Coverage and Security
Insured Mail refers to parcels sent via U.S. Postal Service that are insured for loss or possible damage by paying an insurance fee. Detailed information about its coverage, claims process, and comparison with Registered Mail.
Internal Revenue Bulletin (IRB): Weekly Summary of IRS Administrative Rulings
The Internal Revenue Bulletin (IRB) is a weekly publication by the IRS, summarizing administrative rulings, decisions, procedures, and notices critical for tax law compliance.
Internal Revenue Code of 1986: Comprehensive Guide to U.S. Taxation Law
Detailed explanation of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including its components, purpose, amendments, and interpretations through legislation and court rulings.
Internal Revenue Service: The U.S. Federal Tax Authority
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the revenue service of the United States federal government responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing tax laws.
International Monetary Fund (IMF): A Global Financial Institution
Explore the International Monetary Fund (IMF), its structure, roles, and impacts on the global economy. Understand its history, applications, and relevance in the 21st century.
Interstate Commerce: Business Activity Among States
An Overview of Interstate Commerce: Business Activity Among Different States, Including Transportation, Navigation, and Trade of Commodities
Interstate Commerce Commission: Overview and Historical Significance
The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) was a regulatory body in the United States established in 1887 to oversee and regulate the railroad industry and later expanded to include other modes of transportation.
Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC): Founding and Abolition
A comprehensive overview of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), an independent federal agency established in 1887 and abolished in 1995, which regulated fair rates and services in interstate commerce.
Interstate Land Sales Act: Federal Real Estate Law
An overview of the Interstate Land Sales Act, a federal law that governs the sale of land across state lines, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Intervention in Economics: Government Economic Activity
Intervention in Economics involves government actions aimed at influencing economic growth, the composition of the economy's output, and controlling inflation.
Intestate: Implications and Definitions
Understanding what it means to be intestate, the legal implications, processes, and effects on property inheritance.
Joint Economic Committee of Congress (JEC): Economic Oversight Body
The Joint Economic Committee of Congress (JEC) is a combined House and Senate committee responsible for monitoring major economic issues and developments to keep Congress well-informed.
Jurisdiction: Power, Right, or Authority to Interpret and Apply Tax Laws or Decisions
Jurisdiction refers to the power, right, or authority to interpret and apply laws or make decisions, particularly in the context of tax laws. For instance, the U.S. Court of Appeals has exclusive jurisdiction to review decisions of the U.S. Tax Court and the U.S. District Courts.
Kelo v. City of New London: Landmark Eminent Domain Case
An in-depth analysis of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. City of New London, which expanded the interpretation of eminent domain.
Kelo v. City of New London: Eminent Domain and Public Use
A U.S. Supreme Court decision that expanded the concept of constitutionally allowable taking of private property for public use to include takings for commercial developments benefiting the community.
Kiddie Tax: Tax Liability for Children Under Specific Conditions
Kiddie Tax concerns the tax liability for children under a certain age on net unearned income exceeding a specified threshold, taxed at the parents' highest marginal tax rate.
Know-Your-Customer Rule: Ethical Concept in Securities Industry
An in-depth exploration of the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) Rule, an ethical concept in the securities industry that ensures the suitability of financial transactions for customers.
Labeling Laws: Federal and State Statutes for Safe Packaging and Warning Labels
An overview of labeling laws, which are federal and state statutes requiring safe packaging and warning labels on hazardous materials such as poisons and other dangerous substances.
Labor-Management Relations Act [Taft-Hartley Act]: Key Provisions and Impact
An in-depth look at the Labor-Management Relations Act, also known as the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947, which amended the Wagner Act of 1935. This entry covers its key provisions, historical context, impacts, and related terms.
Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) of 1959: An Overview
Comprehensive overview of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) of 1959, also known as the Landrum-Griffin Act, including its provisions, historical context, and implications for labor unions and management.
Land-Use Regulation: Policy Standards and Compliance
An in-depth exploration of land-use regulations, including ordinances, codes, permits, and common laws governing the private use of land and natural resources in alignment with policy standards.
Land, Tenements, and Hereditaments: Comprehensive Legal Concepts in Early English Law
An in-depth look at the phrase 'Land, Tenements, and Hereditaments' used in early English law to signify all types of real estate, exploring its definitions, historical context, and modern relevance.
Legal Name: Official Purposes Name
The name one has for official purposes; not a nickname. Legal names are used in documentation such as birth certificates, passports, and legal contracts.
Legal Opinion: An Authoritative Statement on Legality
An authoritative statement on the legality of a situation, written by an authorized official, such as a city attorney or attorney general, or a law firm specializing in public borrowings, particularly municipal bond issues.
Level Debt Service: Equal Payments on Municipal Debt
Level Debt Service provision in a municipal charter stipulating that payments on municipal debt be approximately equal every year, making it easier to project the amount of tax revenue needed to meet obligations.
Level Playing Field: Government Policy for Competitive Equality
A comprehensive guide to the concept of a 'Level Playing Field' in government policy, focusing on reducing disparities between different industries and international competitors.

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