SSCG11: Explain the functions of the departments and agencies of the federal bureaucracy. . SSCG11a: Compare and contrast the organization and responsibilities of independent regulatory agencies, government corporations, and executive agencies.

Bureaucracy A bureaucracy is a large, complex administrative structure that handles the everyday business of an organization. The United States’ federal government is the largest organization in the country. When many Americans hear the word ‘bureaucracy’, they automatically think of red tape and delays. A bureaucracy is a method of organizing large organizations. There are both public and private bureaucracies.

Independent regulatory agencies Independent regulatory agencies are federal organizations are independent from the three branches of government; they operate independently and are not under the direct control of the president. These agencies are created to regulate certain aspects of the nation’s economy and exercise authority over certain aspects of activity to protect consumers. Examples include: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These agencies act as ‘watchdogs’.

Government corporations Government corporations do not belong to any department. Government corporations are created by Congress and are set up to perform business of the federal government; they operate much like a regular corporation operates. They charge fees and compete with private businesses. Examples include: the U.S. Postal Service, Amtrak, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Government corporations are run by a board of directors and have a general manager who directs the day-to-day operations, as directed by the board of directors. Congress decides the purpose for each and the functions that the government corporation can perform.

Executive agencies Executive agencies are organized much like the Cabinet departments but are not part of the President’s Cabinet. They are given extremely important public tasks to perform, such as NASA. They range in size; some of the smaller executive agencies include: The Civil Rights Commission and The National Transportation and Safety Board.

Students will use online research, including websites and current online newspaper articles, to identify the role of each agency selected for this activity. The student groups will research the purpose of their assigned agency or corporation, including date it was created, why it was created, whether it is an independent regulatory agency or a government corporation, and what sector the agency or corporation is responsible for regulating or operating. Each group will create a multimedia presentation (PowerPoint or Prezi) to share with the class. The presentation should include a minimum of 6 slides and no more than 10 slides. You may use the independent regulatory agencies and government corporations below: Federal Trade Commission Environmental Protection Agency Food and Drug Administration Tennessee Valley Authority Amtrak Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

SSCG11b: Explain the functions of the President’s cabinet. SSCG11: Explain the functions of the departments and agencies of the federal bureaucracy. SSCG11b: Explain the functions of the President’s cabinet.

President’s Cabinet The cabinet is an informal advisory committee comprised of the heads of the 15 cabinet departments, the Vice President of the United States, the White House Chief of Staff, and few others chosen by the President. The members of the cabinet serve as advisors and experts. The President appoints the heads of the 15 cabinet departments, and the Senate must approve the presidential nominations. There are several factors that influence the President’s choices for department heads: party, loyal supporters of the President, and professional qualifications. Cabinet members have two main duties: 1) function as the administrative head of one of the executive cabinet departments. 2) together they serve as the primary advisors to the President. https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-trump- administration/the-cabinet/

The President’s Cabinet What do they do? How are they selected? Who are they?

Interesting Facts about Presidential Cabinets George Washington’s top two advisors, Jefferson and Hamilton, disagreed so bitterly that political parties formed around these two men. Andrew Jackson preferred a group of informal advisors known as the “Kitchen Cabinet”. Abraham Lincoln once took a vote in which the seven members unanimously opposed him. He said, “Seven nays, one aye, the ayes have it.” John F. Kennedy paid more attention to the advice of his brother, Robert, who served as Attorney General, than his formal Cabinet. Ronald Reagan held Cabinet meetings an average of twice a week to stay informed. © 2012, TESCCC

The First Executive Departments: George Washington’s Presidency Department of State - Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson Department of the Treasury - Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton Department of War - Secretary of Defense Henry Knox Office of the Attorney General - Edmund Randolph -became the Department of Justice in 1870 Today there are fifteen departments. © 2012, TESCCC

Presidential Cabinet Today Secretary of State Secretary of the Treasury Attorney General (Justice Dept.) Secretary of Defense Secretary of the Interior Secretary of Agriculture Secretary of Commerce Secretary of Labor Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Secretary of Transportation Secretary of Energy Secretary of Education Secretary of Veterans Affairs Secretary of Homeland Security

Department of State Handles the foreign policy of the nation Staffs embassies Analyzes data about American interests in other nations Speaks for the U.S. at the United Nations

Department of the Treasury Serves as the financial division of the government Manages public debt Collects taxes Manufactures coins and currency Administers explosive and firearm laws Regulates the production and distribution of alcohol and tobacco

Department of Justice Oversees the nation’s legal affairs Supervises the agencies that serve as the nation’s police and prison system Enforces antitrust laws

Department of Defense Protects the security of the United States Oversees the armed forces through the Joint Chiefs of Staff Until 1949 was called the Department of War

Department of Interior Protects the public lands and natural resources throughout the U.S. Oversees relationships with Native Americans

Department of Interior Protects the public lands and natural resources throughout the U.S. Oversees relationships with Native Americans Secretary of Interior: Ryan Zinke Order of PS:8th

Department of Agriculture Helps farmers improve incomes and production for home and abroad Develops conservation programs Safeguards the nation’s food supply

Department of Commerce Promotes and protects the industrial and commercial parts of the economy Carries out the census

Department of Labor Ensures safe working conditions Oversees minimum wages and protects pensions Collects and analyzes data on employment

Department of Health and Human Services Oversees programs concerned with health and social services of the American people Manages federal medicare and medicaid

Department of Housing and Urban Development Works to assist communities in the nation Ensures equal housing opportunities

Department of Transportation Regulates America’s transportation needs, policies and planning Works to ensure safe, efficient, and convenient land and air transportation

Department of Energy Plans energy policy Researches and develops energy technology

Department of Education Coordinates federal assistance programs for public and private schools. Develops programs to help students with limited English proficiency and physically challenged students.

Department of Veterans Affairs Oversees medical care for veterans and families. Manages educational programs for veterans.

Department of Homeland Security Charged with protecting the security of America’s borders, shores, land and the safety of its people. Newest department created in 2002 after September 11, 2001

Other Cabinet Rank Members The Vice President Head of the Office of Management and Budget Head of the Environmental Protection Agency White House Chief of Staff United States Trade Representative Head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy

Steps in the Process of Appointing Members of the Cabinet Presidential nomination White House review Paperwork financial disclosure FBI investigation Senate confirmation hearings Senate vote (majority needed)

President’s Cabinet Students will create a multimedia presentation on the President’s cabinet. There should be one slide for each cabinet position. Each slide should include: The title of the cabinet position, where it falls in the order of presidential succession, and who currently holds the leadership positions. At the beginning of the presentation, students should describe the responsibilities of the department the person represents and list how a cabinet head is appointed (including the nomination by the president, the hearings, and the approval of the Senate.