Chapter Seven, Section Four

“Presidential Advisers and Executive Agencies”

Helping the President

Helping the President To help the president with all of their many tasks, the “Executive Office of the President” (“EOP”) was created in 1939. This includes advisors, clerks, secretaries, and other specialists.

The “E.O.P” The “EOP” has approximately 2,000 employees and operates on a budget of over $100 million dollars per year.

The “E.O.P”

The “E.O.P” The “EOP” has five divisions to assist the president: White House Office OMB NSC Office of Administration CEA

“White House Office” The “White House Office”, also known as the “White House Staff”, has a staff of over 500 people who work directly for the president. It is lead by the “chief of staff”, who is the most powerful member of this staff.

“White House Office” This office determines who can see the president and reads most of the reports and letters sent to the president. Their job is to brief the presidents on these reports or letters.

“Chief of Staff” The current White House “Chief of Staff” for President Obama is Rahm Emanuel. He is one of the president’s most trusted advisors.

“Office of Management and Budget” (“OMB”) The “Office of Management and Budget” (“OMB”) helps prepare the president’s budget and helps monitor hundreds of government agencies.

“Office of Management and Budget” (“OMB”) The current director of the “OMB” for President Obama is Peter Orszag. The director works directly for the president and reports to him personally.

“National Security Council” (“NSC”) The “National Security Council” (“NSC”) helps the president coordinate military and foreign policy.

“National Security Council” (“NSC”) This departments is made up of four advisors: Vice President Secretary of State Secretary of Defense Joint Chiefs of Staff

“National Security Council” (“NSC”) The “Joint Chiefs of Staff” is made up of the top commanders of each branch of the U.S. military.

“Office of Administration” The “Office of Administration” assists the president. It’s main task is to help people who request information under the “Freedom of Information Act”

“Council of Economic Advisers” (“CEA”) The “Council of Economic Advisers” (“CEA”) helps the president carry out the role of economic leader.

“Council of Economic Advisers” (“CEA”) The current “CEA” director for President Obama is Christina Romer.

“The Cabinet” The “Cabinet” is a group of advisors that include the heads of the 15 executive departments.

“The Cabinet”

“The Cabinet” The advisors all carry the title of “secretary”. The only exception is the head of the Department of Justice, who is the Attorney General.

“The Cabinet” The newest department to be created was the “Department of Homeland Security” in 2002 (after 9/11)

“The Cabinet” It’s main goal was to consolidate our defenses against potential terrorist attacks. Janet Napolitano is the current secretary.

“The Cabinet” The main responsibility of the Cabinet is to advise the president on all matters. Although NOT mentioned in the Constitution, every president since Washington has had a Cabinet.

The Vice President The vice president has historically had a limited role. Recently, they have been given more responsibilities over the year.

The “First Lady” The “First Lady” has no set responsibilities that are listed in the Constitution. Over the years, they have become very active in a variety of issues.

The Federal Bureaucracy The Federal Bureaucracy is the name given to the millions of employees (“bureaucrats”) and agencies that help run the U.S. government.

The Federal Bureaucracy The bureaucracy has three (3) basic jobs: Turn new laws into action Run the day to day operation of the government Regulate various activities within the government.

Independent Agencies Although not part of the “Cabinet”, these agencies are still accountable to the president.

Independent Agencies “Executive Agencies” are responsible for specialized areas. “NASA” is an example.

Independent Agencies “Government Corporations” are run like private businesses, but they are NOT for profit The U.S. Postal Service is an example.

Independent Agencies “Regulatory Boards and Commissions” have the task of protecting the public. They do NOT report to the president. The “F.C.C.” is an example

Who gets these jobs? Many of these top jobs go to “political appointees” (trusted friends or advisors of the president) They usually serve until the president leaves.

Who gets these jobs? “Civil Service Workers” make up 90% of the work force and keep permanent jobs. They are chosen based on their performance in the “civil service system”.

Who gets these jobs? Before 1883, most “civil service” jobs were given out through the “spoils system” This is where jobs are given as reward for political support. “To the victor go the spoils”…

Who gets these jobs? The “Civil Service Reform Act” of 1883 placed limits on the number of jobs a president can give to their supporters.

Who gets these jobs? Today, we use the “merit system” where jobs are given out based on high standards and exams.

Who gets these jobs? The “Office of Personnel Management” (“OPM”) today controls and operates the civil service system.