2. The heads of the executive branches are known as the Cabinet A cabinet is a group of advisors to the President.

3. Department of State What do they do? Secretary of State Carries out foreign policy Foreign policy-establishing relationships with other countries Represents the U.S. at the United Nations

4. Department of the Treasury What do they do? Secretary of the Treasury Collects federal taxes through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Prints money and postage stamps; makes coins

5. Department of Defense What do they do? Secretary of Defense Maintains the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.

6. Department of Agriculture What do they do? Provides assistance to farmers Inspects food processing plants Runs the food stamp and school lunch programs Works to control animal and plant diseases.

7. Department of Interior What do they do? Protects fish, wildlife, and other natural resources

8. Department of Justice What do they do? Led by the Attorney General Investigates and prosecutes violation of federal laws. Operate federal prisons. Runs the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

9. Department of Commerce What do they do? Provides assistance to American businesses. Conducts the national census.

10. Department of Health & Human Services What do they do? Directs Medicare program. Runs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Runs the Public Health Service

11. Department of Education What do they do? Provides assistance to elementary, high school, and college education programs. Conducts research and provides statistics on education.

12. Department of Housing & Urban Development What do they do? Helps provide housing for low-income citizens. Assists state and local governments in financing community development and housing projects.

13. Department of Transportation What do they do? Helps state and local governments maintain highways. Enforces transportation safety standards.

14. Department of Energy What do they do? Conducts research on sources of energy. Promotes the conservation of fuel and electricity

15. Department of Veterans Affairs What do they do? Gives medical, educational, and financial help to people who have served in the armed forces.

16. Department of Homeland Security What do they do? Runs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Runs Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Protects the President and Vice President through the Secret Service