2. The Executive Branch The President’s Cabinet

3. The Cabinet There are 15 executive department agencies Purpose is for members to advise the President Weekly meeting are held with the President in Cabinet Room The Cabinet levels are listed in Presidential succession

4. How do you become a member? You are chosen or appointed by the President Must be confirmed by majority of the Senate You can not be a member of Congress or hold an elected office Appointments are for the entire administration Expected to resign when new administration takes over

5. Department of State Department of State Secretary Condoleezza Rice 1789 Handles foreign affairs Makes recom. to foreign nations Negotiates treaties Speaks for the U.S. at United Nations

6. Department of the Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson 1789 Serves as financial agent for U.S. Government Manufactures coins and money

7. Department of Defense Department of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates 1947 Protects the security of the U.S. Armed Forces are in his department

8. Department of Justice Department of Justice Attorney General Alberto Gonzales 1870 Enforces and defends the Federal laws of U.S. Seeks punishments for those who break the laws Enforces nations immigration policy

9. Department of the Interior Department of the Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne 1849 Overseas national conservation efforts Responsible for –national public lands –Natural resources –wildlife

10. Department of Agriculture Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns 1862 Ensures the food supply Provides economic development for farmers

11. Department of Commerce Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez 1903 Responsible for all –copyrights, –Patents –Trademarks Major role in Federal matters of –Oceans –Weather –Technology

12. Department of Labor Department of Labor Secretary Elaine Chao 1913 Protects workers –Wages –Health –Safety

13. Department of Health & Human Services Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt 1953 Protects the health of all Americans Conducts medical research Prevent outbreak of disease Assures the safety of food and drugs Protects child and domestic abuse

14. Department of Housing & Urban Development Department of Housing & Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson Aims to create decent and safe housing for all Americans Provide housing assistance Help homeless Help development in distressed neighborhoods

15. Department of Transportation Department of Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters 1966 Ensure transportation that is –Fast –Safe –Efficient Maintain Federal highway system

16. Department of Energy Department of Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman 1977 Develop reliable, safe energy resources Responsible for –nations nuclear energy –weapons technology

17. Department of Education Department of Education Secretary Margaret Spellings 1979 Establishes guidelines and provides leadership to address American education Works with the NCLB legislation

18. Department of Veterans Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson 1988 Advocate for veterans and their families Ensuring they receive –medical care, –benefits, –social support, –lasting memorials recognizing their service

19. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff Works to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States Reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism Minimize the damage from – potential attacks –natural disasters

20. The Cabinet Room

21. President discusses the budget with his Cabinet http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/04/images/20010409-6.html

22. With copies of the proposed 2006 U.S. budget laying on the table in front of them, President Bush, top right, meets with members of his cabinet, Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, in the Cabinet Room of the White House. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)