The Future of Education Policy: Will the Education Department Be Dismantled?

The U.S. Department of Education (ED), established in 1979, is a federal agency responsible for shaping education policy, administering federal aid, and promoting student achievement and equal access to education across the nation[1][9]. Its mission centers on preparing students for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal opportunities for all learners[1]. The Department manages a broad portfolio, including elementary and secondary education programs serving over 55 million students in approximately 134,000 public and private schools, as well as grant, loan, and work-study assistance for around 10 million undergraduates[1]. Created to strengthen federal commitment to equal educational opportunity, the Department supplements state and local efforts, encourages public involvement, supports federally funded research, and works to improve efficiency and accountability in education programs[1]. It functions as the primary conduit for federal funding to public K-12 schools and higher education institutions, distributing billions annually—over $60 billion in regular federal school funding plus additional pandemic-related funds[3][4]. Despite its pivotal role, the Department has faced ongoing political controversy, particularly from conservative circles advocating for its reduction or elimination, arguing that education governance should be localized[3]. In 2025, an executive order directed steps toward potentially closing the Department, although full abolition requires Congressional approval and remains uncertain[2][4]. This political uncertainty has led to staff reductions and canceled contracts, raising concerns among educators and professional organizations about impacts on student services and special education funding[2][3]. In parallel, state governments and education leaders focus on evolving education policy themes such as K-12 funding, workforce development, teacher workforce challenges, academic achievement, and mental health support, highlighting the dynamic interplay between federal and state roles in education[5]. Technologically and administratively, the Department continues to manage vast data and funding systems, aiming to modernize education delivery and accountability while navigating political pressures and shifting federal priorities[6][8]. Its notable impact lies in coordinating large-scale federa

The **U.S. Supreme Court** is the highest judicial authority in the United States, established by Article III of the U.S. Constitution and formally created under the Judiciary Act of 1789. It serves as the ultimate arbiter of constitutional and federal law, with the power to interpret the Constitution, review laws, and overturn those deemed unconstitutional, thus checking the legislative and executive branches of government[1][4][6]. The Court first convened in 1790 with six justices, including its first Chief Justice, John Jay. Over time, Congress adjusted the number of justices, settling at nine in 1869, comprising one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, all appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate[1][3][6]. Justices hold lifetime appointments, ensuring judicial independence. The Court initially lacked prestige but gained significant authority under Chief Justice John Marshall (1801–1835), who established judicial review in *Marbury v. Madison* and solidified the Court as the definitive interpreter of the Constitution[10]. Key achievements of the Supreme Court include landmark rulings that shaped American federalism and civil rights, such as *McCulloch v. Maryland* (affirming federal power), *Gibbons v. Ogden* (regulating interstate commerce), and the establishment of judicial independence during the impeachment proceedings of Justice Samuel Chase. The Court also modernized its procedures by issuing unified majority opinions instead of individual ones[10]. Today, the Supreme Court sits in its dedicated building in Washington, D.C., completed in 1935, holding annual terms from October to late June or July. It exercises original jurisdiction in limited cases (e.g., disputes between states) and primarily appellate jurisdiction over federal and constitutional issues[4][6]. For readers interested in business and technology, the Court’s decisions profoundly impact regulatory frameworks, intellectual property law, and digital privacy rights, influencing the legal landscape in which modern enterprises operate. Its role in balancing governmental