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Government statistics are widely used to inform decisions by policymakers, program administrators, businesses and other organizations as well as households and the general public. Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency, Seventh Edition will assist statistical agencies and units, as well as other agencies engaged in statistical activities, to carry out their responsibilities to provide accurate, timely, relevant, and objective information for public and policy use. This report will also inform legislative and executive branch decision makers, data users, and others about the characteristics of statistical agencies that enable them to serve the public good.Table of Contents Front Matter SUMMARY PART I: Introduction THE VALUE OF NATIONAL STATISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL STATISTICAL AGENCIES AND UNITS THE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL STATISTICS AND THIS REPORT PART II: Principles PRINCIPLE 1: Relevance to Policy Issues and Society PRINCIPLE 2: Credibility Among Data Users and Stakeholders PRINCIPLE 3: Trust Among the Public and Data Providers PRINCIPLE 4: Independence from Political and Other Undue ExternalInfluence PRINCIPLE 5: Continual Improvement and Innovation PART III: Practices Practice 1: A Clearly Defined and Well-Accepted Mission Practice 2: Necessary Authority and Procedures to ProtectIndependence Practice 3: Commitment to Quality and Professional Standards ofPractice Practice 4: Professional Advancement of Staff Practice 5: An Active Research Program Practice 6: Strong Internal and External Evaluation Processes foran Agency's Statistical Programs Practice 7: Coordination and Collaboration with Other StatisticalAgencies Practice 8: Respect for Data Providers and Protection of Their Data Practice 9: Dissemination of Statistical Products That Meet Users'Needs Practice 10: Openness About Sources and Limitations of the DataProvided REFERENCES APPENDIX A: Legislation and Regulations That Govern FederalStatistics APPENDIX B: Organization of the Federal Statistical System APPENDIX C: Some International Frameworks and Guidance Relevant forFederal Statistics Committee on National Statistics