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Learn about the executive departments in the federal government, their roles and responsibilities, and their importance in advising the President. Understand the selection process for cabinet members and the qualifications considered.
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The Cabinet • Most of the work of the federal government is done by 15 executive departments • Often referred to as “cabinet” departments • Our government began with only three executive departments • Department of State • Department of Treasury • Department of War • More departments have been added over the years as our government has grown
The Cabinet • Each department is headed by a secretary • Hence, secretary of state, secretary of interior, etc. • The exception is the Department of Justice which is headed by the Attorney General • Each department head serves in the Presidents Cabinet • They are the primary link between presidential policy and their department
The Cabinet • The cabinet is the informal advisory body to the President • However, neither the Constitution or the Congress created the cabinet • The cabinet is a product of custom and usage
The Cabinet • Each secretary is appointed by the President and must be confirmed by the Senate • Rejections are exceedingly rare • When the President selects cabinet members, he usually does so based on his political party • In addition, secretaries are often chosen among those who played a major role in the presidential election
The Cabinet – Other Considerations • When selecting cabinet heads, other factors taken into consideration are • Professional qualifications • Practical experience • For example. The Secretary of the Treasury often comes out of the business world • Other qualification include gender and race, management abilities and experience, and a variety of other personal characteristics
Job Description • Cabinet members have two major jobs • Individually, each is the administrative head of their executive department • As a group, they are the advisors to the president
