agency

noun

• The capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power.
• The capacity of individuals to act independently and to make their own free choices.

  "individual agency"

• A medium through which power is exerted or an end is achieved.
• The office or function of an agent; also, the relationship between a principal and that person's agent.

  "authority of agency"

• An establishment engaged in doing business for another; also, the place of business or the district of such an agency.
• A department or other administrative unit of a government; also, the office or headquarters of, or the district administered by such unit of government.

  "Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry"