Do you have friends that you turn to for advice? When the President wants advice he asks a group of people called the Cabinet. The purpose of the Cabinet is to advise the President. They are the President's closest and most trusted advisors. The Cabinet includes the Vice President, the heads of 15 executive branch departments, and other Government officials chosen by the President. The Cabinet meets at least once a week to discuss matters that effect the United States.
The 14 Secretaries from the executive departments and the Attorney General are nominated by the President, and they must be approved (confirmed) by a majority vote (51 votes) of the Senate. Nominees can not be a member of Congress or hold any other elected office. Executive department Secretaries and the Attorney General serve as long as the President is in office.
The following is a list of the 15 executive department agencies, when that department was created, and a brief description of the department. The list is organized by order of succession. More detailed information is available in the United States Government Manual.
Secretary of Agriculture Department of Agriculture (1862):
Ensures a healthy food supply and provides support for farmers.
Secretary of Commerce Department of Commerce (1903):
Promotes business and job opportunities for all Americans, responsible for all copyrights, patents, and trademarks; and oversees matters related to oceans, weather, and technology.
Secretary of Labor Department of Labor (1913):
Oversees the interests of U.S. workers.
Secretary of Health & Human Services Department of Health and Human Services (1953):
Looks after people's health and provides services including conducting medical research, preventing diseases, assuring the safety of food and drugs; providing financial assistance for low income families.
Secretary of Transportation Department of Transportation (1966):
Oversees the nation's transportation system including highways, railroads, ports, and air travel.
Secretary of Energy Department of Energy (1977):
Researches and develops energy systems that are friendly to the environment, but are not too expensive.
Secretary of Education Department of Education (1979):
Establishes guidelines and provides leadership to address American education. It helps local communities meet the needs of their students.
Secretary of Homeland Security Department of Homeland Security (2003):
Works to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters.
