Government Corporations
Government corporations are federally chartered entities that combine public purposes with the flexibility of private business operations. They provide market-oriented public services, generate their own revenue, and operate with more autonomy than typical federal agencies.
Key Characteristics: Government corporations are created by Congress, have their own legal identity, can sue and be sued, and often have the authority to raise capital, acquire property, and enter into contracts independently.
Federal Government Corporations
United States Postal Service (USPS)
National mail delivery service
Established 1971
Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation)
Intercity passenger rail service
Established 1971
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Electric power generation and regional development
Established 1933
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Bank deposit insurance
Established 1933
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)
Private pension insurance
Established 1974
Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)
Public media funding
Established 1967
Export-Import Bank of the United States
Export credit financing
Established 1934
Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR)
Prison labor program
Established 1934
Types of Government Corporations
Wholly-Owned Corporations
100% government-owned entities like USPS, TVA, and FDIC. They receive appropriations or generate revenue through services and are subject to federal oversight.
Government-Sponsored Enterprises
Privately owned but federally chartered entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They have public policy missions but operate as private companies.