Title: 2008-2009 Presidential Transition Resources

Source/Sponsoring Agency: United States. General Services Administration; United States. National Archives and Records Administration

URL: http://directory.presidentialtransition.gov/

Date Checked: 12/8/2008      Status: Active

Date Annotated: 12/8/2008

Topics: Constitutional Law; Politics

Other keywords: Presidential transition; White House transition; United States Federal government; Presidency

Contents: The Presidential Transition Resources website was created under the authority of the Presidential Transition Act of 2000, which empowers the General Services Administration (GSA) to develop a transition directory with the support of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The site provides, in accordance with the terms of the Act, “a compilation of Federal publications and materials with supplementary materials developed by the Administrator that provides information on the officers, organization, and statutory and administrative authorities, functions, duties, responsibilities, and mission of each department and agency.” Its purpose is to assist the new Administration in dealing with the significant responsibilities that accompany their service to the United States by organizing the tremendous volume of material that is available to it. Adobe Reader is necessary to view many of the resources available, and a link is therefore provided to download the latest version. A portion of the material is organized according to the three branches of government and is taken from the latest edition of the U.S. Government Manual located on the GPO Access website, where one may obtain text or PDF copies of various documents that provide comprehensive information on the structure of each branch. Another portion of the material is organized according to the developmental stages of Federal leadership positions in the Administration, including potential positions, nominees and appointees. Those interested in potential positions are referred to three specific publications: the Plum Book, the Prune Book, and Who’s Who in the Federal Government - a website published by the University of Memphis. Separate links exist for nominees who have been asked to serve as Federal officials but not yet appointed, and for those whose appointments have been confirmed. Resources provided range from the very simple - an organizational chart of the Government of the United States and a list of commonly used abbreviations and acronyms, to the very complex – financial disclosure guidance, standards of ethical conduct, recordkeeping guidance, national security requirements that must be met, and freedom of information laws. Other notable resources provided by the site include links to inauguration information, the Federal Register, www.usa.gov, various political newspapers and journals, and other relevant websites. The site provides fast, easy access to considerable sources of free material, thereby helping not only the new Administration, but also the people of the nation make the transition from election campaign to a new period of governance.

Author of Annotation: A. Emerson