Chapter 10 – State Agencies
This chapter looks at the work of state agencies in Ohio and why they matter.
Agencies are government organizations created to carry out specific tasks or responsibilities.
State agencies are part of the executive branch and are responsible for putting laws into action and providing services that affect people’s daily lives. Agencies such as the Ohio Department of Transportation, which maintains highways, and the Ohio Department of Health, which responds to public health issues, are designed to contribute to the well-being of communities across the state.
These agencies are instrumental in translating legislative intent into actionable programs and services. Legislative intent refers to the purpose or goal lawmakers had in mind when they passed a law. Since laws are often written in broad terms, it is up to agencies to fill in the details by creating regulations, designing programs, and enforcing rules that carry out the goals set by the legislature.
Click here to scroll through a complete list of state agencies.
In this chapter, you will see how agencies carry out their responsibilities, from writing rules to monitoring compliance and educating the public. They provide expertise that helps leaders make decisions and ensure that government programs reach the people they are meant to serve.
This chapter also considers how agencies interact with the public. Learning this will help you understand how you can more effectively engagement with these agencies.
Foundational Facts
While the Ohio Constitution establishes the executive branch broadly, the specific creation, structure, and responsibilities of agencies like the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of Health are detailed in the Ohio Revised Code, specifically in Title I. The Ohio Revised Code is a collection of laws enacted by the General Assembly that govern the state. This legislative approach allows the General Assembly to establish, modify, and regulate state agencies based on Ohio’s evolving needs.
