Currently, there are over 400 departments, agencies, and sub-agencies in the federal government. A full list of U.S. government agencies and departments is available here. Many of these offices provide excellent internships for students looking to learn the ins and outs of federal bureaucracy. A great place to look for internships in any of the federal agencies is USAjobs.gov or on this page that details internship opportunities across a number of agencies. In addition, below are some of the agencies to which students often wish to apply.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Department of Homeland Security
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
National Security Agency (NSA)
Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights