THE NEW FACES OF WASHINGTON POWER…

The President: Barack Obama (44 th president of the U.S.) Preserves, protects, and defends the Constitution of the United States Appoints federal judges Acts as commander in chief Proposes legislation Calls Congress into special session Vetoes laws passed by Congress that are considered destructive to the national well-being Declares martial law when the courts are not open or cannot function freely Grants pardons and reprieves in criminal cases

The Vice President: Joe Biden Replaces the president if the president dies or becomes unable to manage the countrys affairs Serves as president of the Senate, formally presiding over Senate deliberations, and votes in the event of a tie Presides over a joint session of Congress when it formally counts electoral votes for presidential elections Travels to other countries to represent the president at international conferences, the funerals of foreign dignitaries, and other important events Greets White House guests of many kinds, from groups of Boy Scouts to members of professional associations

Department of State: Hillary Clinton 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: Timothy Geithner 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 Defense: Robert Gates 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 Justice: Eric Holder Oversees the nations legal affairs Supervises the agencies that serve as the nations police and prison system Enforces antitrust laws

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

Department of Agriculture: Tom Vilsack Helps farmers improve incomes and production for home and abroad Develops conservation programs Safeguards the nations food supply

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

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

Department of Health and Human Services: Tom Daschle Oversees programs concerned with health and social services of the American people Manages federal Medicare and Medicaid

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

Department of Transportation: Ray LaHood Regulates Americas transportation needs, policies and planning. Works to ensure safe, efficient, and convenient land and air transportation

Department of Energy: Steven Chu Plans energy policy Researches and develops energy technology

Department of Education: Arne Duncan Co-ordinates 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: Eric Shinseki Oversees medical care for veterans and families Manages educational programs for veterans

Department of Homeland Security: Janet Napolitano Charged with protecting the security of Americas borders, shores, land and the safety of its people Newest department created after September 11, 2001

Created by: Thomas Nelson Salisbury University Dogwood Village Salisbury, MD epts/president-obamas-cabinet/84/ contact: