The Executive Departments
Each is responsible for the day to day enforcement and administration of federal laws. Each is under the office of the president and the heads of these departments make up the cabinet. Developed based on practical necessity.
Staff Organizations of the Office of the President
White House Staff, National Security Coucil, Ofice of Management and Budget, Coucil of Economic Advisers, Office of te US Trade Representative, and office of Science and Technology Policy
The President's Cabinet
Each cabinet member is a head of one of the 14 executive departments. The are confirmed by the senate and nominated by the president. Presidents tend to use them less and rely more on personal staff, but it has varied throughout history
Department
Leader is a part of the President's cabinet. They are split into divisions, bureaus, offices, and services, each with specific responsibilities. Each is a Bureaucracy
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
ensures fair prices and stable markets, works to improve and mantain farm income, develops and expands markets abroad, ensures standards of quality for food, and attempts to curb poverty and hunger through a number of services. One of which is the food st
Department of Commerce
Serves to promote the nation's international trade, economic growth, and technological advancement. Offers assistance and information to increase U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace; administers programs to create new jobs, and provides informa
Department of Defense (DoD) (be in)
responsible for all matters relating to the nation's military security. 1 million men and women on active duty. 1.5 million members of state reserve components. 700 thousand civilian employes serve in the Defense Department. Includes the NSA, and directs
Department of Education
Provides national leadership to address critical issues in American education even though schools are primarily a state responsibility. Provides information, establishes policy and administers federal aid to education programs such as student loan program
Department of Energy (DoE)
Created because of a growing concern with the nation's energy problems in the 1970s, the department took over the functions of other various federal agencies. The DoE is responsible for the research, and development of energy technology; energy conservati
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Oversees some 300 programs and impacts the lives of every American. It's largest component is Medicare and Medicaid. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the worlds premier medical research organization, supports some 30,000 research projects. It help
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Manages programs that assist community development and help provide affordable housing for the nation. Some programs are the mortgage insurance programs. It also fosters programs that help stimulate the housing industry
Department of the Interior
The Nation's prinipal conservation agency, it is responsible for most federally owned public lands and natural resources. It includes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which administers some 500 wildlife refuges and a network of wildlife law enforcement
Department of Justice
Represents the U.S. government in legal matters and courts of law, and gives legal advice to the president and heads of executive departments. Headed by the Attourney General of the USA. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, is the principle law enfor
Department of Labor
Promotes welfare of wage earners in the US, helps improve working conditions, and fosters good relations between labor and management. It administers it's federal laws through various administrations. It also garuntees worker's rights to a safe and health
Department of State
Advises the president, who has overall responsibility for formulating and executing the foreign policy of the US. It assesses American overseas interests, makes recommendations on future policy and actions, and takes necessary steps to carry out establish
Department of Transportation (DoT)
Establishes the nation's overall transportation policy through 10 operating units that encompass highway planning, development, and construction; mass transit; railroads; aviation; and the safety of waterways, ports, highways. Contains the Federal Aviatio
Department of the Treasury
Responsible for serving the fiscal and monetary needs of the nation. formulates financial, tax, and fiscal policies; serves as the financial agent for the US government and manufactures coins and currency. Also contains the Secret Service and the Customs
Department of Veteran Affairs
First established as an independent agency in 1930, it was later elevated to the cabinet level in 1989. It dispenses benefits and services to elligible veterans of the US military . It contains the Veterans Health Administration, which is responsible for
Independent Agencies
These agencies are not a part of the executive departments but they are necessary to keep the government and economy working smoothly
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
coordinates intelligence activities and relates it to national security, and also makes recommendations to the president and the National Security Council
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
works with state and local government to control pollution in the air and water and to deal with waste problems and other problems relating to the environment. Sets and enforces standards for air and water quality and evaluates pesticides and chemical sub
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
regulates inserstate and international communicatons by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. Licenses stations and gives radio frequencies and regulates cell phone carriers
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
cordinates the work of federal, state, and local agencies in responding to disastors. It also provides financial assistance to individuals and government to rebuild houses and other property. It also trains emergency responders such as firemen and funds e
Federal Reserve Board (Federal Reserve System)
Governing body for the federal resere which conducts the nations monetary policy by influencing the volume of credit and money in circulation. regulates private banks and works to contain large risk in financial markets. Also provides cerain financial ser
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
enforces consumer protection laws by investigating complains against companies. Seeks to ensure that the nations markets function competitively by eliminating unfair or deceptive practices
General Services Administration (GSA) (delete)
responsible for federal property, the sale of surplus items, and it manages the federal car fleet and child car services (absolutly pointless)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
established in 1958 to conduct the nation's space program, it places satellites in orbit and conducts research to satellites, probes, and explores new concepts in aerospace technology. It also operates the US fleet of space shuttle orbiters
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
preserves the nations history by overseeing the management of all federal records. Controls the National Archives, which has endless documents but also preserves the Decleration of Independence, the bill of Rights, and our constitution
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
administers US labor law, the National Labor Relations Act
National Science Foundation (NSF)
supports basic research and education in science and engineering in the US. Awards universities and encourages cooperation between universities, industry and government, and internationally also
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
the federal governments human resources agency. Ensures the nation's civil service remains free of political influence and that federal employees are treated fairly. It manages the federal retirement system and health insurance program
Peace Corps
trains and places volunteers to serve in foreign countries for 2 years. They assist in agricultural-rural development, small business, health, natural resources conservation, and education development in 3rd world nations
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
protects people who buy stocks or bonds. Has the power to prevent or punish fraud in the sale of securities and can regulate stock exchanges
Small Business Administration (SBA)
advises, assists, and protects the interests of small buisness concerns. Helps them with various things such as loans
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Manages the nation's social insurance program, which consists of retirement, disabliity, and survicors benefits. To qualify Americans must pay for their Social Security taxes
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
administers foreign economic and humanitarian assistance programs in the developing world, as ell as in europe or new states of the former soviet union. Supports programs in 4 areas such as population and health, broad based economic growth, environment,
The United States Postal Service
Is operated by an autonomous public corporation that replaced the Post Office Department in 1971. Responsible for the mail and thousands of local post offices across the nation. Has agreements with foreign countries to provide mail too.