What Department Is The US Postal Service Under?

What’s Happening

Created back in 1970 by the Postal Reorganization Act, the USPS was built to run on its own. That independence keeps political interference at bay. Unlike most federal agencies, it doesn’t answer to a cabinet secretary. Instead, it reports directly to Congress and the public. Honestly, this setup gives the USPS more breathing room while still keeping things transparent.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Head to the official USPS site at www.usps.com and click About USPS > Leadership & Governance.
2. Check the Governance Structure section—it clearly states the USPS is an independent executive branch agency.
3. For legal proof, look up 39 U.S. Code § 201. That’s the law that spells out the USPS’s independence from cabinet oversight.
4. Double-check with the Federal Register, where agency designations get published every year.

If This Didn’t Work

• Contact the Governance Office:
  • Email governance@usps.gov for official questions.
  • Call 1-800-222-1811 and ask to be transferred to the Governance Office for help.
• Review the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970: Dig into the original law through the Library of Congress to see exactly what it says about the USPS’s structure.
• Check the Federal Register: Look for any executive orders or agency updates that confirm the USPS hasn’t changed its status since 1971.

Prevention Tips

• Stick to primary sources: Always check 39 U.S. Code § 201 or the USPS Governance page for the most reliable answers.
• Know the agency types: Remember, the USPS is an "independent establishment," which is totally different from cabinet departments like Defense or Treasury.
• Cross-check with official records: Compare what the USPS says with historical documents from the National Archives or the Government Publishing Office to make sure everything lines up.