In the United States, the _________ is responsible for enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the correct answer because it is the federal agency specifically designated to enforce laws that prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and religion. This includes overseeing laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The EEOC not only investigates discrimination complaints but also issues guidelines to help both employees and employers understand their rights and responsibilities under discrimination laws.

In contrast, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a civil rights organization that advocates for social justice and equality, but it does not have the authority to enforce federal discrimination laws. The Department of Justice does play a role in enforcing certain federal laws, including those related to civil rights, but it is not the primary agency for employment discrimination cases. State Employment Agencies handle various employment-related matters at the state level and may address discrimination, but they do not have the same federal authority as the EEOC.