1. Executive Departments and the Cabinet
7th Grade Civics
Miss Smith
*pgs Civics in Practice

2. The Executive Office and the Cabinet
The Executive Office of the President includes:
The president’s closest personal and political advisors
Press secretary
Researchers
Clerical staff (secretaries and assistants)

3. The Executive Office and the Cabinet
The heads of the Executive Branch departments form the president’s cabinet
The pres. appoints the members of cabinet, but Senate must approve them
The heads of the departments are called “secretary”. Ex: Secretary of State
The exception to this is the attorney general (the head of the Department of Justice)

4. Department of State
Keep track of people traveling to and from the U.S.
Issue passports
Issues visas (documents that allow foreigners to come to the U.S.)

5. Department of State Responsible for foreign policy
Ambassadors- highest ranking U.S. representatives sent to foreign countries
An embassy is their official office and residence
Consul- a person who represents U.S. commercial interests in foreign countries
A consulate is their office

6. Department of Defense In charge of the armed forces
Operates military bases in the U.S. and other nations
Provide relief efforts during natural disasters in other countries
The secretary of defense is a civilian (nonmilitary)

7. Other Executive Departments
Congress can reorganize, combine, and create departments
Ex: Dept. of Homeland Security
Protects the nation from terrorists and provides help during natural disasters in our country
Dept. of Treasury
Manages federal finances, collects taxes, currency, postage stamps, investigating tax evaders, etc.
Dept. of Justice
Enforces federal laws

8. Cabinet Departments Dept. of State Dept. of Health & Human Services
Dept. of the Treasury
Dept. of Housing and Urban Development
Dept. of Defense
Dept. of Justice
Dept. of Transportation
Dept. of the Interior
Dept. of Energy
Dept. of Agriculture
Dept. of Education
Dept. of Commerce
Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Dept. of Labor
Dept. of Homeland Security
*The president may create new cabinet seats at any time