Ever hear the term “attorney general” in the news and wonder, who exactly is that person and what do they do? I used to think it was just another politician, but it turns out their role is way bigger than I imagined. The attorney general is basically the country’s top lawyer—and their job affects us more than most people realize.
What Does the Attorney General Do?
The attorney general is the head of the U.S. Department of Justice. That means they’re the nation’s chief law enforcement officer and top legal advisor for the federal government.
Some of their biggest responsibilities include:
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Representing the United States in legal matters.
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Overseeing the FBI, DEA, and federal prosecutors.
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Advising the president and executive agencies on legal issues.
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Making sure federal laws are enforced fairly.
So when you see major investigations, high-profile trials, or federal crime crackdowns in the news, chances are the attorney general is connected to it.
A Bit of History
The position of attorney general was created back in 1789. At first, it was just a one-person job—no department, no big staff, just one lawyer giving legal advice to the president and Congress.
But as the country grew, so did the job. In 1870, the Department of Justice was officially created, and the attorney general became its leader. Today, the office is one of the most powerful in the federal government.
Interesting fact: every U.S. attorney general has been a lawyer, but not all of them were judges before taking the job. Some came from politics, others from private law practice.
How Does Someone Become Attorney General?
The president nominates a candidate for attorney general, and then the Senate votes to confirm them. This process is similar to how cabinet secretaries are chosen.
A few things to know:
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They don’t have a fixed term. They serve as long as the president wants them to.
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They can be removed by the president at any time.
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The attorney general is 11th in line for presidential succession (way down the list, but still there).
Fun Facts About Attorneys General
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The first U.S. attorney general was Edmund Randolph, appointed by George Washington.
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Janet Reno, appointed in 1993, was the first woman to hold the office.
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Some state attorneys general (every state has one!) have used the role to later run for governor or even president.
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The attorney general doesn’t argue cases personally very often anymore, but historically they did.
Attorney General vs. State Attorneys General
Here’s where it gets confusing: every U.S. state also has its own attorney general. These officials do a lot of the same things, but just within their state.
For example:
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The U.S. attorney general handles federal laws.
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A state attorney general handles state laws and may sue big companies on behalf of residents.
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Sometimes they even clash with each other, especially on issues like healthcare, immigration, or consumer protection.
So when you hear “attorneys general” (yes, that’s the correct plural), it could be about state officials or the one at the national level.
My Take
Personally, I think the role of attorney general is fascinating because it sits at the crossroads of law and politics. They’re supposed to be independent, but since they’re appointed by the president, there’s always pressure. To me, that makes it one of the toughest jobs in Washington.
The attorney general is more than just a government lawyer—they’re the leader of the Justice Department, the president’s top legal advisor, and a key player in how laws are enforced across the country. Next time you hear about a major federal case or investigation, you’ll know exactly why the attorney general’s name is attached.
What do you think—should the attorney general be more independent from politics, or is it okay for the role to stay tied to the president?