This chapter discusses the various groups and levels of government that control public education in the United States. It notes that control is shared between federal, state, and local governments as well as non-governmental groups. Specifically, it outlines how the federal government's role has expanded since the 1960s through legislation and court rulings. It also discusses the influence of state governments, local boards of education, teachers' unions, testing agencies, and other organizations on public schooling in America.