Communications

Written statements, messages or petitions sent to the Congress by the President of the United States, executive branch officials, or state or local governments. Types of communications include executive communications, presidential messages, petitions and memorials.

In practice, Communications is useful because it helps a visitor connect a word or phrase to government records, official decisions, public services, or civic responsibilities. When you see the term in an official source, ask which office has authority, what decision is being made, which deadline or rule matters, and where the public record can be checked.

Examples

Simple example: A visitor sees “Communications” on an official page and uses the term as a clue about which agency, branch, rule, record, or service is involved.

Civic example: A reader checks the official source, identifies who has authority, and follows related Guide pages when the term connects to a larger public issue.

Common Misconception

A common mistake is treating Communications as a slogan instead of a term connected to a specific public process. The safest approach is to ask what authority, document, deadline, office, or public record gives the term its meaning.