Education is the largest, most broadly based enterprise in America. Education, although a national priority, is a state responsibility under local control. This brochure highlights the United States Department of Education's responsibilities, which generally fall into the following six areas: (1) providing national leadership and building partnerships to address critical issues in American education; (2) serving as a national clearinghouse of good ideas; (3) helping families pay for college; (4) helping local communities and schools meet the most pressing needs of their students; (5) preparing students for employment in a changing economy; and (6) ensuring nondiscrimination by recipients of federal education funds. Ways to access the department's online library on the Internet are listed. Two figures are included. (LMI)