What does the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) govern?

The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) primarily governs the processes and procedures that federal government agencies must follow when proposing regulations and engaging in rulemaking. It establishes transparency and public participation in the regulatory process by requiring agencies to provide public notice of proposed rules, allow for public comment, and publish final rules in the Federal Register.

This framework is crucial for ensuring that the regulatory actions of federal agencies are fair, accountable, and subject to public scrutiny. The APA also outlines the procedures for adjudication, ensuring that there is a consistent and lawful approach to how agencies make decisions that affect the public, including the provision for judicial review of agency actions.

In contrast, the other options do not fall under the governance of the APA. The process of legislative voting pertains to the procedures in Congress and legislative bodies, jurisdiction of state courts relates to state law and court systems, and the conduct of criminal trials is managed by criminal procedure laws, neither of which is addressed by the APA.