Answer :
Final answer:
The 1989 Whistleblower Protection Act is the federal law that protects individuals who report government misconduct from retaliation.
Explanation:
The federal law that protects individuals who publicly report government misconduct from being punished is The 1989 Whistleblower Protection Act. This act was instituted as part of the increased protections for federal whistleblowers, ensuring that they are safeguarded from retaliation when they report misdeeds within their organization. This law, along with subsequent acts like the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, reinforces the commitment to support those who bring to light inappropriate actions within institutions.
