The directory provides comprehensive information on the agencies of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, as well as quasi-official agencies, international organizations in which the United States participates, boards, commissions, and committees.

Each agency's description consists of the following:

-- List of principal officials

--Summary statement of the agency's purpose and role in the Federal Government

--Brief history of the agency, including its legislative and executive authority

--Description of consumer activities, contracts and grants, employment, and publications