In a hierarchical filing segment, what is the first level for National Park Service, Department of the Interior?

• A. United
• B. Interior, Department of
• C. United States Government
• D. Government

Answer: (C)

In a hierarchical filing segment, the top level represents the broadest controlling entity, so records are anchored to the widest authority before narrowing down to specific units. For federal records, that top level should identify the United States Government, since all agencies and departments operate under the national government. The National Park Service is within the Department of the Interior, which would come at the next level down. The other options are not appropriate as the first level because they are either incomplete or too specific: a single word like “Government” lacks clarity, “United” is incomplete without “States,” and “Interior, Department of” is a subunit, not the overarching entity. Starting with the United States Government ensures a consistent, hierarchical structure from the broadest authority to the specific agency.