The President of the United States is the head of state and government, directing the executive branch and serving as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. The presidency's power has grown significantly, especially since the 20th century, with a notable expansion during Franklin D. Roosevelt's tenure. Today, the president is a leading global political figure, given the U.S. status as a superpower with the largest economy. Article II of the Constitution establishes the presidency's role, which includes enforcing federal laws, appointing key officials, and conducting foreign policy. The president directs the world's most expensive military and has substantial influence over federal legislation, including the power to sign or veto bills. Modern presidents shape domestic policy through executive orders, regulations, and judicial appointments. The president and vice president are elected to four-year terms via the Electoral College, with a two-term limit set by the Twenty-second Amendment. Nine vice presidents have assumed the presidency due to the president's death or resignation. The president is regarded as the world's most powerful person, a status expected to continue.
The Vice President of the United States is the second highest officer in the executive branch, ranking first in the presidential line of succession. The vice president is also the president of the Senate, presiding over deliberations and casting tie-breaking votes. Elected alongside the president for a four-year term via the Electoral College, the modern vice presidency is powerful and integral to the administration, often serving as a key advisor, governing partner, and presidential representative. The vice president is a statutory member of the National Security Council, playing a significant role in national security. Originally seen as an insignificant office, the vice presidency has grown in importance since the 1930s, especially after the creation of the Office of the Vice President in the executive branch in 1939. Today, it is often viewed as a stepping stone to the presidency. The vice president's role in the Senate has diminished, but they frequently help advance legislative priorities. The Constitution does not clearly assign the vice presidency to a specific branch, leading to debate among scholars. However, the modern view places the vice president primarily in the executive branch, with significant executive responsibilities assigned by the president or Congress.
The Executive Office of the President (EOP) includes the offices and agencies that support the president's work at the heart of the executive branch of the U.S. federal government. Key components of the EOP include the White House Office, the National Security Council, and the Office of Management and Budget. These entities play crucial roles in implementing and regulating public policy. The EOP is sometimes called a 'permanent government' because many policy programs and their implementers persist across different administrations, requiring skilled, knowledgeable civil servants to inform new politicians. These civil servants are seen as nonpartisan and politically neutral, providing impartial advice. As technology and global issues have evolved, the White House staff has grown to include various policy experts. The EOP has about 4,000 positions, most of which do not need Senate confirmation. The White House chief of staff, appointed by the president, oversees the EOP.
The Cabinet of the United States is part of the executive branch of the federal government, consisting of the vice president, the secretary of state, and other heads of federal executive departments. These members are in the presidential line of succession if eligible. The Constitution does not explicitly establish a Cabinet, but its advisory role to the president is inferred from the Opinion Clause (Article II, Section 2, Clause 1). The Twenty-fifth Amendment allows the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet to declare the president unable to fulfill their duties.
Cabinet members (except the vice president) are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. They serve at the president's pleasure and can be dismissed at any time without Senate approval, as confirmed by the Supreme Court in Myers v. United States (1926). Cabinet members can also be impeached by the House and tried by the Senate for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors" (Article II, Section 4).
The president can designate senior advisers and heads of other federal agencies as members of the Cabinet, giving them a symbolic status without additional powers beyond attending Cabinet meetings.
The Department of State is a federal executive department responsible for implementing U.S. foreign policy and managing international relations. Its duties include advising the president, overseeing diplomatic missions, negotiating treaties and foreign agreements, and representing the U.S. at the United Nations. The department is led by the Secretary of State, who is nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The Secretary of State is the nation's chief diplomat and is fourth in the presidential line of succession, after the vice president, the Speaker of the House, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Founded in 1789, the department plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. global interactions.
The Department of Defense is a federal executive department responsible for coordinating and supervising all government agencies and functions related to national security and the U.S. Armed Forces. Headed by the Secretary of Defense, who is nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, its subdivisions include the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, four national intelligence services, nine other agencies, and eleven combat commands. The department advises the president on national security matters. It is the largest employer globally, with over 2.8 million employees, playing a crucial role in maintaining the nation’s defense and security infrastructure.
The Department of the Treasury is the national treasury of the United States, one of the 15 Executive Departments. It oversees key agencies such as the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the US Mint, and the Internal Revenue Service. These agencies print currency, mint coins, and collect federal taxes respectively. The department advises the Executive and Legislative branches on fiscal matters. Led by the Secretary of the Treasury and the Treasurer of the United States, both appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, the Treasurer has a more advisory role. Overall, the department plays a vital role in managing the nation's finances and advising on economic policy.
The Department of Justice, equivalent to justice ministries in other nations, manages law enforcement and justice in the US. It supervises federal agencies including the FBI, USMS, ATF, and DEA. Its responsibilities span investigating financial fraud, overseeing the federal prison system, and representing the government in legal matters. At its helm is the Attorney General, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Charged with upholding the law and ensuring justice, this federal executive department plays a pivotal role in maintaining order and safeguarding the rights of citizens across the United States, wielding authority over various critical aspects of the nation's legal landscape.
The Department of the Interior, a federal executive agency, manages US federal land and natural resources. Its purview extends to Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian affairs, as well as territorial and insular matters. Led by the Secretary of the Interior, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, it stands distinct from interior ministries in other nations. Contrary to its name, responsibilities akin to other countries' interior ministries lie with the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. This department plays a crucial role in conservation, land management, and the welfare of indigenous communities and territories across the United States.
The Department of Agriculture, a federal executive department, oversees the development and implementation of federal laws concerning farming, forestry, rural economic growth, and food. It serves farmers and ranchers, facilitates agricultural trade and production, ensures food safety, conserves natural resources, supports rural communities, and combats hunger domestically and globally. It is led by the Secretary of Agriculture, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. With a multifaceted mission, this department plays a pivotal role in sustaining agricultural livelihoods, fostering economic development in rural areas, and addressing food security challenges both within the United States and internationally.
The Department of Commerce, a federal executive department, focuses on fostering economic growth by collecting economic and demographic data for business and government decision-making and aiding in establishing industrial standards. Its primary objectives include job creation, economic growth promotion, sustainable development encouragement, and mitigation of harmful trade practices by other nations. The Secretary of Commerce, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, leads this department. Central to its mission is facilitating a robust economy, supporting innovation, and ensuring fair trade practices, all essential for advancing the prosperity and competitiveness of the US in the global marketplace.
The Department of Labor, a federal executive agency, oversees occupational safety, wage and hour standards, unemployment insurance, reemployment services, and certain economic statistics. Its core mission is to enhance the wellbeing of wage earners, job seekers, and retirees in the United States, improve working conditions, promote profitable employment opportunities, and safeguard work-related benefits and rights. With oversight of over 180 federal laws and numerous regulations, the Department administers and enforces labor-related mandates. Leading this endeavor is the Secretary of Labor, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Department ensures a fair and equitable work environment for all Americans.
The Department of Health and Human Services, a federal executive department, is tasked with safeguarding the health of all Americans and delivering vital human services. Its motto, "Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America," underscores its mission. At the helm is the Secretary of Health and Human Services, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. This department plays a pivotal role in public health initiatives, healthcare regulation, medical research, and the provision of essential social services. Through its diverse array of programs and initiatives, it strives to enhance the quality of life and promote the well-being of individuals and communities across the United States.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a federal executive department tasked with implementing the federal government's policies concerning housing and urban areas. Led by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, HUD plays a crucial role in addressing housing challenges and fostering sustainable urban development. Its initiatives aim to ensure access to affordable housing, promote community development, and combat homelessness. By partnering with local governments and stakeholders, HUD works to create inclusive communities, contributing to the overall well-being of families in the US
The Department of Transportation, a federal executive department, is responsible for formulating and overseeing United States transportation policy. It includes oversight of agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Leading this department is the Secretary of Transportation, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Tasked with ensuring the efficiency and safety of the nation's transportation systems, the Department plays a critical role in facilitating the movement of people and goods across the country. Through strategic planning and regulation, it strives to enhance infrastructure, promote sustainable transportation practices, and support economic development initiatives nationwide.
The Department of Energy is a federal executive department tasked with crafting and implementing United States policies on energy and nuclear material safety. Its duties encompass managing the nation's nuclear weapons program, producing nuclear reactors for the US Navy, promoting energy conservation, conducting energy-related research, handling radioactive waste disposal, and fostering domestic energy production. Additionally, it sponsors research in genomics, with the Human Genome Project originating from a DOE initiative. The Department directs a significant portion of US federal research in the physical sciences, primarily through its National Laboratories system. Leading this effort is the Secretary of Energy.
The Department of Education, a federal executive department, is primarily responsible for establishing policy, administering, and coordinating most federal assistance to education, as well as collecting data on US schools. It also enforces federal educational laws concerning privacy and civil rights. Despite its responsibilities, the Department does not establish schools or colleges. Leading this effort is the Secretary of Education, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Through its initiatives, the Department strives to enhance educational opportunities, promote equity in access to education, and ensure compliance with federal laws to safeguard the rights and privacy of students and educators nationwide.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is a federal executive department that offers comprehensive healthcare services to eligible military veterans at VA medical centers and outpatient clinics nationwide. It also provides various non-healthcare benefits such as disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, education assistance, home loans, life insurance, and burial and memorial benefits at national cemeteries. Established in 1989 as a cabinet-level department, it traces its roots back to the Veterans Administration founded in 1930. Additionally, its mission expanded in 1982 to include providing care for non-veteran military members and civilians during disasters, led by the Secretary of Veteran Affairs.
The Department of Homeland Security, a federal executive department, is tasked with ensuring public security, akin to the interior or home ministries in other nations. Its missions include anti-terrorism efforts, border security, immigration and customs enforcement, cyber security, and disaster prevention and management. Established in response to the 9/11 attacks, it is led by the Secretary of Homeland Security, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Through its diverse array of responsibilities, the department works to safeguard the United States from various threats, both domestic and international, and to ensure the safety and resilience of its citizens and infrastructure.
Independent agencies within the United States federal government operate outside the federal executive departments, which are led by Cabinet secretaries, and the Executive Office of the President. In a more specific context, the term may refer to agencies that, though constitutionally under the executive branch, operate independently from presidential control, often due to limitations on the president's authority to remove agency heads or members. Established by individual statutes passed by Congress, each agency's specific mandate outlines its objectives and delineates the areas, if any, in which it holds rulemaking authority. These agency regulations, once enacted, carry the weight of federal law.
