Begin text Letting the Sun In Requesting Records Learning About Day-to-Day Operations Case Studies How U.S. Federal Agencies Touch Lives PAUL MALAMUD EDITOR THADDEUS A. MIKSINSKI, JR. ART DIRECTOR ELLEN M. KATZ IS A FREELANCE WRITER WHO WRITES FREQUENTLY ABOUT U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. PHOTO BY DALE WITTNER   (Posted December 1999) HOW U.S. FEDERAL AGENCIES TOUCH LIVES Within the federal government, there are 14 executive departments, which are further divided into agencies with specific duties. There are also more than 100 other independent federal agencies regulating many aspects of life.     Each is diverse in size and mission, and in some cases, their responsibilities overlap.     Here are brief descriptions of some major federal agencies, all of whose rulemaking proceedings are open to public comment: FConsumer Product Safety Commission - helps protect the public from injury caused by consumer products. FFederal Communications Commission - regulates television, radio, wire, satellite, and cable communications. FFederal Emergency Management Agency - provides assistance to citizens and local government agencies to help reduce loss of life and property during disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires. FFederal Trade Commission - promotes free and fair trade competition in the American economy. FNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration - sets and enforces safety standards for automobiles to help prevent injuries and death in crashes. FOccupational Safety and Health Administration - protects the health of American workers on the job by setting standards for employers to follow. FSecurities and Exchange Commission - responsible for protecting the public against malpractice in the stock market and other financial markets. FSmall Business Administration - lends money to business owners and provides financial assistance following natural disasters, including hurricanes and floods. Provides support to businesses operated by women and minorities.