government agency
A body established by a government to carry out specific public functions, such as regulation, administration or services.
Definition
A government agency is an organization created by law or executive action to handle a defined area of public work. Examples of functions include licensing, safety oversight, tax collection and statistics. Agencies usually operate under authority delegated by a legislature and report to a minister, department or elected leader, though some have a degree of independence. They may publish rules, issue permits and enforce compliance. Naming differs by country: bureau, office, authority, commission and administration may all describe similar bodies. Businesses encounter them when seeking licenses, responding to regulation or bidding on public contracts.
In a sentence
The government agency published new guidance for small businesses.
Applicants must submit the form to the licensing agency.
