How does a government corporation differ from an independent agency?

Government corporations are entities created by Congress to provide specific services that are government-related in nature while operating somewhat like private businesses. They differ from independent agencies primarily in how they generate revenue. Government corporations charge fees for their services, which allows them to fund their operations. A notable example of a government corporation is the United States Postal Service, which charges for mail delivery services.

In contrast, independent agencies are created to address specific regulatory issues and typically do not function like a business. They receive funding through appropriations from Congress rather than generating revenue through service fees. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent agency that oversees environmental protection but does not charge fees for its regulatory services.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify the operational differences between these two types of organizations within the federal bureaucracy. Government corporations have a business-like approach and a revenue model based on fees, whereas independent agencies focus on enforcing regulations and do not engage in direct service fee charging.