1. Civics Mr. Zimmer

2. The Executive Departments and the Cabinet The President is assisted by an office staff and 15 cabinet departments Each department has specific duties Experts help each department develop policy and plans for the government The State Department and the Department of Defense are the two most important Cabinets

3. State Department Ambassadors are the highest ranking U.S. Representatives in foreign countries An embassy building houses the offices and living quarters for our foreign diplomats A consulate represents the U.S. business interests in a foreign country

4. Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense is always a civilian The Joint Chiefs of Staff consist of the highest ranking military officers from each branch of the military The Pentagon houses the offices of the Department of Defense

5. Independent Agencies and Regulatory Commissions There are 65 independent agencies and regulatory commissions in the federal government These include the Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Protection Agency, NASA, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The are independent and their rulings have the effect of law.