Executive Departments A Closer look at the Executive

Executive Departments A Closer look at the Executive Branch of Federal Government

The Executive Office l l The “EO” was established in 1939, by President Roosevelt. Includes the president’s closest advisors and aides. l l l Advises the president on current issues. Domestic and international. Made up of several offices: l l l Council of Economic Advisors Office of Management & Budget National Security Council

Agencies of Executive Office l Council of Economic Advisors: Three members, appointed by President. l Gives president information on nation’s economy. l Recommends programs to promote economic growth and stability. l

Agencies of Executive Office l Office of Management & Budget: l l l Includes a handful of political appointees, and several hundred professionals. Assists in preparation of federal budget, which President presents to Congress. President uses it for managerial purposes also. l l Reviews legislative proposals from Cabinet and other agencies. Reviews regulations proposed by departments & agencies.

Agencies of Executive Office l National Security Council: l Committee that links the president’s key foreign and military advisors. l Includes… l l l President Vice President Secretaries of State AND Defense Other key officials. Deals with issues of defense and security. l l Provides President with information and policy recommendations on national security. Aids president in crisis management Coordinates agency and department activities Monitors implementation on national security policy.

The White House l l Considered part of the Executive Office. The White House Office includes: l l l The president’s closest personal and political advisors. Press Secretary White House Staff: researchers, clerical staff, social secretaries. l l Schedule president’s appointments Write speeches Communicate with Congress and departments. President’s doctor.

Executive Departments l Framers of Constitution created a plan of government with room for growth. l l Vague in outlining details of executive branch. Checks & Balances: l l Congress has the power to establish/eliminate executive departments. President can appoint heads of the departments, with Congress’ approval.

Executive Departments l There are currently 14 Executive Departments are created by Congress. l Assigned specific area of responsibility. Work to improve the lives of Americans. l l l The heads of these departments are known as the presidents CABINET. l All l but one are known as “secretary” Department of Justice: Attorney General

Department of State (1789) l l Secretary Dr. Condoleezza Rice Chief responsibility: l l Other responsibilities: l l Foreign Policy Issues passports & visas Consists of many officials: l l Ambassadors: highest ranking US representative in foreign countries. (embassy) Consuls: represents the US commercial interests in foreign countries. (work to improve trade & protect business persons)

Department of Treasury (1789) l l Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. Chief Responsibility: l Manages the country’s money. l l l Collects taxes Pays out money owed by federal government Divisions: l l l Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Customs Service: collects taxes on goods brought into the country. Secret Service: protects president and prevents counterfeiting (making fake money)

Department of Defense (1947) l Chief Responsibility: l l Plan military defense & provide training/equipment for military. Joint Chiefs of Staff: l Highest ranking military officers of army, navy and air force. l l Advises the president on military affairs. Secretary is ALWAYS a civilian. l Has several military officers as assistants. l Secretary Robert M. Gates

Department of Justice (1870) l Chief Responsibility: l l Other Responsibilities: l l Defends US in court when a lawsuit is brought against federal government. Led by Attorney General l Enforces federal laws. Judiciary Act of 1789 Acting Attorney General Peter D. Keisler Divisions: l l FBI: investigates crimes in which federal laws are broken. INS: deals with naturalization and immigration issues.

Department of Interior (1849) l l Secretary Dirk Kempthorne Chief Responsibility: l l Other Responsibilities: l l Manages the nations natural resources. Encourages wise use of land, minerals, water, fish, and wildlife. Divisions: l l Bureau of Indian Affairs: handles matters that involve American Indians. National Park Service: responsible for national parks.

Department of Agriculture (1889) l l Acting Secretary Chuck Conner Chief Responsibility: l l Helps farmers raise & market crops. Divisions: l Farm Service Agency l l Provides loans for farmers Food & Nutrition Service l l Manages the food stamp & National School Lunch program Inspects food (safety)

Department of Commerce (1903) l l Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez Chief Responsibility: l l Encourage American trade & business Other Agencies: l Patent & Trademark Administration l l Protects rights of inventors Census Bureau l Counts US population every 10 years.

Department of Labor (1903) Secretary Elaine L. Chao l Chief Responsibility: l l l Gathers information on working conditions. Divisions: l Employment Standards Administration Carry out federal laws that regulate wages & hours of workers. l Seeks to improve working conditions. l l Women’s Bureau l Promotes employment opportunities & personal well -being for working women.

Department of Health & Human Services (1979) l l Secretary Mike Leavitt Chief Responsibility: l l l Runs programs to promote the health and well-being of all US citizens. Housing & Urban Development Chief Responsibility: l l Seeks to improve housing conditions in US cities. Other Responsibilities: l l Helps people buy homes Helps city/state governments provide public housing and improve neighborhoods

Department of Transportation (1966) Secretary Mary E. Peters l Chief Responsibility: l l Helps coordinate & develop the country’s transportation systems (interstates, etc) l Other Responsibilities: l Promotes public safety l Deals with mass transportation issues

Department of Energy (1977) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman l Chief Responsibility: l l Help l plan and manage US energy policy. Other Responsibilities: l Enforces energy laws. l Regulates the development and use of nuclear & hydroelectric energy & other energy sources.

Other Executive Departments l Education l l Secretary Margaret Spellings Chief Responsibility: l l Other Responsibilities: l l l Provides advice & information to country’s school system. Distributes federal funding. Administers federal school programs (NCLB) Veteran Affairs l l Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield Chief Responsibility: l Administering government benefits to US veterans and their families. l Healthcare, pension, education loans

Independent Agencies l Help the president carry out his duties. l l These are NOT departments! Created by a Congress to perform a SPECIFIC job. l l l Currently there are 65. Several assist the work of the entire government. Examples: l l NASA (astronauts) OPM

Regulatory Commissions Independent agencies that have the power to make rules & punish violators. l Examples: l l Federal Election Commission l Enforces election laws l Provides finance information for campaigns l Consumer Product Safety Commission l Enforces products. safety standards for consumer