CHAPTER 7- THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
7.1- FUNCTION OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Article 2 of the Constitution begins with the words, "The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States." As chief executive, the President, executes- carries out- the laws of the land. he does not do it alone.
The executive branch of the government is made up of all the people, agencies, and organizations that help the president carry out the laws. These people are part of a permanent federal bureaucracy- a large and complex, hierarchical organization.
The president appoints the top-level managers in bureaucracies. They serve only for a period of time, usually the president's own term of office. All other workers in many government agencies and departments are regular employees. They are hired, not appointed, and they can continue in their jobs, regardless of who is president. This gives the government stability. Imagine what it would be like if three million people changed jobs ever time a new president was elected.
The executive branch of the government is made up of all the people, agencies, and organizations that help the president carry out the laws. These people are part of a permanent federal bureaucracy- a large and complex, hierarchical organization.
- Bureaucracies resemble a pyramid. In the federal bureaucracy, the president is at the top, senior managers and advisors are in the middle, and the millions of people who work in the many offices of the branch are at the base.
- People who work in the many offices of the branch are at the base.
- People who work in a bureaucracy- bureaucrats- have specific duties.
- Bureaucracies have rules. People working in them follow regulations and procedures so they can provide the same service, the same way, everywhere.
The president appoints the top-level managers in bureaucracies. They serve only for a period of time, usually the president's own term of office. All other workers in many government agencies and departments are regular employees. They are hired, not appointed, and they can continue in their jobs, regardless of who is president. This gives the government stability. Imagine what it would be like if three million people changed jobs ever time a new president was elected.
7.2- THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT
The two highest- ranking positions in the US Government carry with them very different roles and responsibilities. The president is elected to be the chief executive of the country. His authority and responsibilities are vast. The vice president's role is likewise very important, but the demands of the office are not as great.
The President:
The most important job in the executive branch is that of the president. Many Americans think the presidency is also the most most important job in the country.
Qualifications:
Could you become President? According to the Constitution the person "Elected" president must meet three formal qualifications:
Salary:
On January 1, 2001, the job of the President of the United States got a pay raise! Congress had voted to double the presidential salary from $200,000 to $400,000 per year, including a $50,000 expense allowance. (This is the current pay for the President of the United States in 2023.
Benefits:
In addition to salary, the President receives many other benefits. Some of these hep to ensure his safety. The president receives:
Election:
Do you think the person who gets the most overall votes in a presidential election automatically becomes president? That usually happens but it isn't the law. The president is actually indirectly elected, by the Electoral College- a group of people chosen in each state and the District of Columbia, who then confirm their state's voters choices for both the president and the vice president. Every state has a certain number of electoral votes based on the size of it's population. Typically, all electoral votes from each state, except Maine, and Nebraska, go to the candidates who get the most popular votes- even if those candidates only win by a few votes or lack of a clear majority of votes. Electors almost always vote for the candidate they are pledged to their party to support, but nothing in the Constitution requires them to do so.
Many experts think the Electoral College system should be changed. Some people think that voters should directly elect the president and the vice president. Unfortunately, that type of voting will ultimately make candidates ignore the concerns of the less popular states, only focusing on the wants and needs of the more populated states.
The Electoral College:
The founders couldn't decide whether the president should be directly elected by the people or chosen by state legislatures or the legislative branch. They compromised and set up the Electoral College, whose members- called electors- were originally appointed by the state legislatures. The electors voted for the persons they believed would be the best president and vice president. Their choices did not have to be the candidates who receives the most overall votes from their state's or the country's votes. By the late 1820s, members of the Electoral College were appointed by their parties, and they promised to vote for their own party's candidates. The 12th Amendment mandated that electors vote separately for the president and vice president.
Term and Term Limit:
The term of the Presidency is four years. The founders thought that this was:
The Vice President:
Some of the founders did not think the country needed a vice president. The Constitution gives executive power only to the president, but it does mention a vice presidential role. The job of vice president now has two main duties.
Qualifications:
The qualifications for vice president are the same as those for president.
Salary and Benefits:
In January 2001, the salary of the vice president was raised to $186,300 per year. The vice president and his or her family are provided with a home in Washington DC, and also receive Secret Service protection and transportation benefits while in office.
Election and Term:
Today, candidates for president and vice president run as a ticket- or together- as a team from the same political party. The vice presidential term is four years, the same as the president
Presidential Succession:
Presidential Succession is the plan for what happens if the President dies or can't perform the duties of his office. If the president can't perform his duties, then the vice president takes over until the next election. If the president is temporarily ill or disabled:
If a disaster took the life of both the President and the Vice President, then Congress would choose a successor. Currently, that chain of succession for Congress to follow would be in this order:
Powers and Roles of the President
The Constitution gives the presidency the power to execute the law, but it lists only a very few specific powers. According to the Constitution the president may:
The Constitution doesn't state that the president has the power, for example, to make a budget or give orders to department heads. The founders knew that they couldn't identify ever power that future presidents might need to do their jobs, so they deliberately left open the opportunity for extra presidential authority. But they also set up ways to stop presidents from becoming too powerful.
The President:
The most important job in the executive branch is that of the president. Many Americans think the presidency is also the most most important job in the country.
Qualifications:
Could you become President? According to the Constitution the person "Elected" president must meet three formal qualifications:
- Citizenship: The President must be a "natural born citizen" of the United States or, since the first few Presidents weren't born as citizens," a citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of the Constitution."
- Age: The President must be at least 35 years old. The youngest elected president president was John F Kennedy, who took office at the age of 43. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt took office at the age of 42 when President McKinley was assassinated in 1901.
- Residency: The President must be a resident of the United States for at least 14 years, any 14 years of a person's life.
Salary:
On January 1, 2001, the job of the President of the United States got a pay raise! Congress had voted to double the presidential salary from $200,000 to $400,000 per year, including a $50,000 expense allowance. (This is the current pay for the President of the United States in 2023.
Benefits:
In addition to salary, the President receives many other benefits. Some of these hep to ensure his safety. The president receives:
- Transportation: On the president's private jet-- Air Force One.
- Secret Service protection: for the president and his wife while he is in office, and for 14 years after they leave office. Agents also protect the president's children during his term in office and then until they reach the age of 16.
- Free Housing: In the White House
- Pension: After retirement, a former president receives a pension- retirement income or allowance. Every former president's wife also receives $20,000 per year.
Election:
Do you think the person who gets the most overall votes in a presidential election automatically becomes president? That usually happens but it isn't the law. The president is actually indirectly elected, by the Electoral College- a group of people chosen in each state and the District of Columbia, who then confirm their state's voters choices for both the president and the vice president. Every state has a certain number of electoral votes based on the size of it's population. Typically, all electoral votes from each state, except Maine, and Nebraska, go to the candidates who get the most popular votes- even if those candidates only win by a few votes or lack of a clear majority of votes. Electors almost always vote for the candidate they are pledged to their party to support, but nothing in the Constitution requires them to do so.
Many experts think the Electoral College system should be changed. Some people think that voters should directly elect the president and the vice president. Unfortunately, that type of voting will ultimately make candidates ignore the concerns of the less popular states, only focusing on the wants and needs of the more populated states.
The Electoral College:
The founders couldn't decide whether the president should be directly elected by the people or chosen by state legislatures or the legislative branch. They compromised and set up the Electoral College, whose members- called electors- were originally appointed by the state legislatures. The electors voted for the persons they believed would be the best president and vice president. Their choices did not have to be the candidates who receives the most overall votes from their state's or the country's votes. By the late 1820s, members of the Electoral College were appointed by their parties, and they promised to vote for their own party's candidates. The 12th Amendment mandated that electors vote separately for the president and vice president.
Term and Term Limit:
The term of the Presidency is four years. The founders thought that this was:
- Enough time for a President to gain experience, show his abilities, and make policies that would last.
- As long as a President should be in power without being re-elected by the voters.
The Vice President:
Some of the founders did not think the country needed a vice president. The Constitution gives executive power only to the president, but it does mention a vice presidential role. The job of vice president now has two main duties.
- Replace the president if he dies or becomes disabled.
- Preside, or officiate, over the Senate. The vice president does not vote in the Senate unless there is a tie vote.
Qualifications:
The qualifications for vice president are the same as those for president.
Salary and Benefits:
In January 2001, the salary of the vice president was raised to $186,300 per year. The vice president and his or her family are provided with a home in Washington DC, and also receive Secret Service protection and transportation benefits while in office.
Election and Term:
Today, candidates for president and vice president run as a ticket- or together- as a team from the same political party. The vice presidential term is four years, the same as the president
Presidential Succession:
Presidential Succession is the plan for what happens if the President dies or can't perform the duties of his office. If the president can't perform his duties, then the vice president takes over until the next election. If the president is temporarily ill or disabled:
- Formal notice is given to Congress
- The Vice President fills in for him.
- The President takes back his job when he recovers.
If a disaster took the life of both the President and the Vice President, then Congress would choose a successor. Currently, that chain of succession for Congress to follow would be in this order:
- The Speaker of the House of Representatives
- The President Pro-Tempore of the Senate- the person who leads the Senate when the vice president isn't there.
- The Secretary of State
- The rest of the Cabinet Members in order in which their cabinet posts were created. (We will talk about them later)
Powers and Roles of the President
The Constitution gives the presidency the power to execute the law, but it lists only a very few specific powers. According to the Constitution the president may:
- Veto: or reject bills passed by Congress.
- Command: the military forces of the country.
- Make treaties.
- Grant Pardons- legal forgiveness for crimes. A pardon prevents or ends punishment.
- Enforce- the laws.
- Appoint- certain officials
The Constitution doesn't state that the president has the power, for example, to make a budget or give orders to department heads. The founders knew that they couldn't identify ever power that future presidents might need to do their jobs, so they deliberately left open the opportunity for extra presidential authority. But they also set up ways to stop presidents from becoming too powerful.
Presidential Powers
Different presidents have had different ideas about what powers the presidency needs. Congress has not always agreed about what presidents have the power to do. Modern presidents have had many more powers than George Washington, John Adams, or Thomas Jefferson did.
Executive Privilege:
At times through the nation's history, presidents have claimed executive privilege. this means that they don't have to tell Congress everything they know (or turn over information) about matters they consider "top secret" or private. Presidents have claimed this privilege about military and diplomatic actions, arguing that national security and the safety of the country required them to keep some things secret.
Example: In 1834, Andrew Jackson refused to give the Senate records of conversations he had with his Cabinet members. He said Congress had no constitutional right to be part of his private discussions with his advisors.
Executive Privilege doesn't apply if a court requests evidence in an investigation or trail. Even a president must obey the court's request.
United States v. Nixon (1974)
He offices of the Democratic National Committee in the Watergate Building in Washington DC were broken into and searched in 1972. A Senate committee ordered President Nixon to turn over tapes of conversations held in his office, which investigators believed contained evidence about the case. President Nixon used the executive privilege argument and refused. He claimed that the tapes contained private and confidential government information that would be dangerous to America if it was made public.
The Supreme Court however, ruled that neither executive privilege nor separation of powers protected a president against a request for evidence from a judge. President Nixon had to give up the tapes to the Federal Court.
The tapes provided evidence against some of President Nixon's assistants who were accused of the break in. When people heard the tapes, it was also clear that President Nixon himself knew about the break in. He resigned and was later pardoned by President Gerald Ford before the case came to trial.
Checks on Power:
Presidents have tried to add new powers to the presidency. Congress or the Supreme Court, however, can stop the office of the president from becoming too powerful.
Congress can do this in four ways by:
Another way that congress controls presidential authority is through approving the people the president appoints. The Senate must approve the following:
The Supreme Court can check the actions of the President by:
Presidential Roles:
Unlike some jobs, the President's duties and responsibilities are not easy to describe.
Chief of State:
The President speaks for the country, explains the goals and values of the people, and represents a symbol and ideal. when he acts in this role the president represents all political parties and all Americans by:
Chief Executive:
The president acts as the "boss " of the executive branch of government. In "executing the laws," the president decides how laws are carried out by:
Chief Diplomat:
The president is the most important representative of the United States to other countries The Supreme Court has agreed that power over foreign policy belongs to the president of Congress. the president makes foreign policy- deciding how America will deal with other nations- and designs treaties ,but only Congress can set aside money for specific foreign policies. the Senate has the power to approve treaties. Other duties of the president include:
Chief Policy Maker:
Although Congress makes the laws, presidents influence legislation by:
Commander in Chief:
The president is Commander-in-Chief of the military forces of the United States- the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and National Guard. Top military leaders such as generals and admirals, take their orders from the president. Some duties of the role include.
Chief of Party:
Since the beginning of the two party system, the president has been the unofficial head of his party. He uses his power and popularity to help other members of his party achieve party goals or to get elected by:
Chief Guardian of the Economy:
Presidents watch over the country's economy and deal with issues such as unemployment, high prices, taxes and the way business is done. Presidents don't control the economy, but they can influence consumers or businesses by:
Judicial Leader:
Presidents can influence the interpretation of the Constitution. They do this through people they nominate to be Supreme Court Justices and other federal judges. congress must approve their appointment.
Different presidents have had different ideas about what powers the presidency needs. Congress has not always agreed about what presidents have the power to do. Modern presidents have had many more powers than George Washington, John Adams, or Thomas Jefferson did.
Executive Privilege:
At times through the nation's history, presidents have claimed executive privilege. this means that they don't have to tell Congress everything they know (or turn over information) about matters they consider "top secret" or private. Presidents have claimed this privilege about military and diplomatic actions, arguing that national security and the safety of the country required them to keep some things secret.
Example: In 1834, Andrew Jackson refused to give the Senate records of conversations he had with his Cabinet members. He said Congress had no constitutional right to be part of his private discussions with his advisors.
Executive Privilege doesn't apply if a court requests evidence in an investigation or trail. Even a president must obey the court's request.
United States v. Nixon (1974)
He offices of the Democratic National Committee in the Watergate Building in Washington DC were broken into and searched in 1972. A Senate committee ordered President Nixon to turn over tapes of conversations held in his office, which investigators believed contained evidence about the case. President Nixon used the executive privilege argument and refused. He claimed that the tapes contained private and confidential government information that would be dangerous to America if it was made public.
The Supreme Court however, ruled that neither executive privilege nor separation of powers protected a president against a request for evidence from a judge. President Nixon had to give up the tapes to the Federal Court.
The tapes provided evidence against some of President Nixon's assistants who were accused of the break in. When people heard the tapes, it was also clear that President Nixon himself knew about the break in. He resigned and was later pardoned by President Gerald Ford before the case came to trial.
Checks on Power:
Presidents have tried to add new powers to the presidency. Congress or the Supreme Court, however, can stop the office of the president from becoming too powerful.
Congress can do this in four ways by:
- Approving or rejecting programs or laws that the president recommends.
- Enacting a law that the president has vetoed by a two-thirds vote of both houses.
- Setting guidelines for how the president and the executive branch can implement policies.
- Creating or eliminating departments that the executive branch runs.
Another way that congress controls presidential authority is through approving the people the president appoints. The Senate must approve the following:
- The Heads of Cabinet departments: Such as education, labor, transportation, and the Attorney General.
- Ambassadors- people who represent the US government in foreign countries.
- Heads of government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and NASA.
- Federal judges and attorneys and US Marshals.
- Officers in the military.
The Supreme Court can check the actions of the President by:
- Interpreting the Constitution regarding powers and duties of all officials including the president.
- Overruling any action by the president that the court decides is unconstitutional.
Presidential Roles:
Unlike some jobs, the President's duties and responsibilities are not easy to describe.
Chief of State:
The President speaks for the country, explains the goals and values of the people, and represents a symbol and ideal. when he acts in this role the president represents all political parties and all Americans by:
- Congratulating heroes on their accomplishments and awarding medals for heroism or achievement.
- Greeting important visitors to the White House
- Making speeches of informing the American people about important events.
Chief Executive:
The president acts as the "boss " of the executive branch of government. In "executing the laws," the president decides how laws are carried out by:
- Appointing high level officials to manage government departments.
- Discussing national issues with top advisors and officials and choosing the direction the government will take in addressing issues. Some presidents have been content to accept the recommendations of their advisors. Others have been very "hands on," making day to day decisions, especially in times of national crisis.
Chief Diplomat:
The president is the most important representative of the United States to other countries The Supreme Court has agreed that power over foreign policy belongs to the president of Congress. the president makes foreign policy- deciding how America will deal with other nations- and designs treaties ,but only Congress can set aside money for specific foreign policies. the Senate has the power to approve treaties. Other duties of the president include:
- Appointing diplomats and ambassadors to other countries.
- Entertaining and communicating with foreign leaders.
Chief Policy Maker:
Although Congress makes the laws, presidents influence legislation by:
- Making recommendations to Congress.
- Persuading members of Congress to support his policies.
- Signing or vetoing bills sent to him by Congress
- Reporting to Congress each January in the State of the Union address, explaining how the US is dealing with issues such as education, foreign policy, the economy, and the environment.
Commander in Chief:
The president is Commander-in-Chief of the military forces of the United States- the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and National Guard. Top military leaders such as generals and admirals, take their orders from the president. Some duties of the role include.
- Inspecting military bases or navy shipyards
- Making major military decision in wartime
- Calling out troops or the National Guard to stop riots, to keep the peace to help deal with natural disasters such as forest fires, or to protect the security of airports in this country.
Chief of Party:
Since the beginning of the two party system, the president has been the unofficial head of his party. He uses his power and popularity to help other members of his party achieve party goals or to get elected by:
- Choosing leading members of his party to serve in high government positions as advisors.
- Traveling around the country to campaign for party candidates in local and state elections.
- Helping to raise money for the party by speaking at fund raising activities.
Chief Guardian of the Economy:
Presidents watch over the country's economy and deal with issues such as unemployment, high prices, taxes and the way business is done. Presidents don't control the economy, but they can influence consumers or businesses by:
- Discussing with advisors ways to encourage consumer spending, such as asking Congress to lower taxes.
- Meeting with business and labor leaders to help them solve problems that could lead to a strike or a slowdown in production.
- Encouraging Congress to give tax breaks to certain businesses to be sure they survive in difficult times.
Judicial Leader:
Presidents can influence the interpretation of the Constitution. They do this through people they nominate to be Supreme Court Justices and other federal judges. congress must approve their appointment.
7.3- ORGANIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
The president heads a branch of the government with more than three million employees.
Executive Office of the President:
The Executive Office is made up of people who advise the president on domestic- within the United States- and foreign policy.
White House Office:
The White House Office includes the president's legal adviser, press secretary, appointments secretary, and office workers. The Chief of Staff directs the White House Office and works with Congress to help ensure that lawmakers consider the president's ideas:
National Security Council (NSC)
The NSC advises on domestic, foreign, and military policies that affect the nation's security. Members include the:
Council of Economic Advisors (CEA)
Members of the CEA advise the president on economic policy. The CEA predicts trends in the economy.
Office of Management and the Budget (OMB)
The OMB helps the president prepare and then manage the federal budget that Congress approves each year.
Other Executive Office groups advise the president on drug control, foreign trade, the environment, Science, and technology and general administration issues.
Executive Departments:
The 15 executive departments do the major work of running the government. Each department helps the president in one or more of his roles.
Example: The Department of State handles diplomatic relations with other countries. It advises the president on foreign policy and makes sure that the policy is carried out.
Leadership:
Heads of the executive departments are appointed by the president, usually based on their experience and leadership ability. They must be approved by the Senate. Most are called Secretaries, such as the Secretary of State. The head of the Justice Department is called the Attorney General.
Cabinet:
The president's Cabinet is an important group of policy advisors- experts who make suggestions about how to run the government and what actions to take. The Cabinet includes the heads of the executive departments and other advisors the president may choose.
In alphabetical order, the fifteen executive departments are:
1- Department of Agriculture (Established 1862) Helps farmers and farming groups by doing agricultural research, offering financial support to farms, inspecting food processing plants, and enforcing food safety standards.
2- Department of Commerce (1903) - promotes the growth of business in the nation by developing trade with nations around the world, providing businesses with technical and scientific information, and sharing information about the population through Bureau of the Census
3- Department of Defense or DOD (1789)- was originally called the War Department. It was reorganized in 1947 to manage the military forces needed to present war and protect the security of the United States. The DOD also develops new weapons and defense systems.
4- Department of Education (1953) As part of Health, Education, and Welfare provides money and services to state and local agencies responsible for education, such as state universities, public high schools, and elementary schools, for Head Start (a program for young children in need) and for other educational programs.
5- Department of Energy or DOE (1977)- was formed when foreign oil- producing countries limited the amount of oil sold to the United States during the 1970s. It's goals include managing the energy resources of the United States, developing new sources of energy, such as wind, solar, and nuclear power, and safeguarding the nations nuclear power plants and weapons.
6- Department of Health and Human Services (1979) contains several familiar agencies. Medicare helps older citizens pay for medical care and hospitalization. The Food and Drug Administration tests and approves food products and new drugs. The Public Health Service offers medical services and advice to the poor, and provides vaccination shots and medical tests to the public.
7- Department of Homeland Security (2002) was set up in response to the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. Its mission is to work to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and maximize the damage and recover from attacks that do occur. The US Coast Guard and the Office of Immigration, among other government offices were move into it.
8- Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD (1965) helps to ensure that less wealthy Americans have decent, safe places to live. It also provides inexpensive loans to low-income families and supports people trying to fix up houses in poor neighborhoods.
9- Department of the Interior (1849) manages the natural resources of the United States including waterways, forests, minerals, fish and wildlife. Several important agencies include The US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Bureau of Mines, The National Park Service, and The Bureau of Indian Affairs, which addresses Native American issues and supervises reservations.
10- The Department of Justice or DOJ (1870) represents the United States in court, for example, in government investigations of unfair businesses practices. It also enforces federal laws and supervises federal prisons. Agencies within the DOJ include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), US Marshal's Service, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
11- The Department of Labor (1903) works to create a safe working environment to encourage opportunities for working people, and to develop good relations between employers and employees. One of its agencies Occupational Standards and Health Administration (OSHA), makes and enforces rules for safety in the workplace.
12- Department of State (1789)- was one of the original executive departments. Its role is to carry out the foreign policy of the United States. This is done through diplomats, who work with leaders of other nations and ambassadors who represent the United States in foreign countries. The Secretary of State often meets with foreign leaders to discuss issues and to help settle international disputes. The State Department also represents the United States in the United Nations.
13- Department of Transportation or DOT (1966) - has as its mission ensuring fast, safe, efficient, and convenient transportation for people and goods. Its agencies include the Federal Aviation Administration, which safeguards air travel through regulations about how aircraft must be built and flown, how airports are run, and how pilots are trained; the Federal Railroad Administration; and the Federal Highway Administration, which helps build and improve many of the nations roads and bridges.
14- Department of the Treasury (1789)- is in charge of the nation's money. The Internal Revenue Service collects duties on goods entering the country, and works to prevent smuggling. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing makes the country's paper money and coins. The Secret Service, which protects the president, vice president, and visiting foreign leaders is part of the Treasury Department.
15- Department of Veterans Affairs or VA (1989) is concerned with the health and welfare of millions of men and women who have served in the country's military forces. It manages about 170 hospitals and 400 outpatient clinics for veterans.
Independent Agencies:
Many independent agencies carry out the work of running the government. There are three types of independent agencies:
Executive Agencies:
Executive Agencies are created by Congress but are under the direct control of the president, who appoints their directors. Among the most important executive agencies are the:
Independent Regulatory Commissions:
Congress gives regulatory commissions their powers, and these agencies are mostly not under the president's direction and control. Regulatory commissions are appointed or official groups of regulators, who control aspects of government policy through rules and regulations. They set and enforce rules and rates for important parts of the nation's economy such as:
Government Corporations:
Congress has set up these organizations to provide important public services that might be too expensive for private companies to provide but that the nation needs. One of the most familiar government corporations is the US Postal Service.
The Federal Bureaucracy:
Americans often complain about the size of the government bureaucracy, but few are willing to give up the services provided. In addition, the federal bureaucracy provides jobs to nearly three million people. Cutting the size of the bureaucracy would force many to find jobs into the private sector- the business world outside the government.
Civil Service System:
Civil service refers to the people who work for the government. About 10 percent of all American bureaucrats live in the Washington area. The other 90 percent work in regional, state, and local offices around the country. IN the early days of our country, these jobs were given to the friends of elected officials. Today's Civil Service System tries to avoid this by making sure that:
Executive Office of the President:
The Executive Office is made up of people who advise the president on domestic- within the United States- and foreign policy.
White House Office:
The White House Office includes the president's legal adviser, press secretary, appointments secretary, and office workers. The Chief of Staff directs the White House Office and works with Congress to help ensure that lawmakers consider the president's ideas:
National Security Council (NSC)
The NSC advises on domestic, foreign, and military policies that affect the nation's security. Members include the:
- President
- Vice President
- the President's National Security Advisor
- Secretary of the Treasury
- Secretary of Defense
- Secretary of State
- Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
- Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the top military leader.
Council of Economic Advisors (CEA)
Members of the CEA advise the president on economic policy. The CEA predicts trends in the economy.
Office of Management and the Budget (OMB)
The OMB helps the president prepare and then manage the federal budget that Congress approves each year.
Other Executive Office groups advise the president on drug control, foreign trade, the environment, Science, and technology and general administration issues.
Executive Departments:
The 15 executive departments do the major work of running the government. Each department helps the president in one or more of his roles.
Example: The Department of State handles diplomatic relations with other countries. It advises the president on foreign policy and makes sure that the policy is carried out.
Leadership:
Heads of the executive departments are appointed by the president, usually based on their experience and leadership ability. They must be approved by the Senate. Most are called Secretaries, such as the Secretary of State. The head of the Justice Department is called the Attorney General.
Cabinet:
The president's Cabinet is an important group of policy advisors- experts who make suggestions about how to run the government and what actions to take. The Cabinet includes the heads of the executive departments and other advisors the president may choose.
In alphabetical order, the fifteen executive departments are:
1- Department of Agriculture (Established 1862) Helps farmers and farming groups by doing agricultural research, offering financial support to farms, inspecting food processing plants, and enforcing food safety standards.
2- Department of Commerce (1903) - promotes the growth of business in the nation by developing trade with nations around the world, providing businesses with technical and scientific information, and sharing information about the population through Bureau of the Census
3- Department of Defense or DOD (1789)- was originally called the War Department. It was reorganized in 1947 to manage the military forces needed to present war and protect the security of the United States. The DOD also develops new weapons and defense systems.
4- Department of Education (1953) As part of Health, Education, and Welfare provides money and services to state and local agencies responsible for education, such as state universities, public high schools, and elementary schools, for Head Start (a program for young children in need) and for other educational programs.
5- Department of Energy or DOE (1977)- was formed when foreign oil- producing countries limited the amount of oil sold to the United States during the 1970s. It's goals include managing the energy resources of the United States, developing new sources of energy, such as wind, solar, and nuclear power, and safeguarding the nations nuclear power plants and weapons.
6- Department of Health and Human Services (1979) contains several familiar agencies. Medicare helps older citizens pay for medical care and hospitalization. The Food and Drug Administration tests and approves food products and new drugs. The Public Health Service offers medical services and advice to the poor, and provides vaccination shots and medical tests to the public.
7- Department of Homeland Security (2002) was set up in response to the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. Its mission is to work to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and maximize the damage and recover from attacks that do occur. The US Coast Guard and the Office of Immigration, among other government offices were move into it.
8- Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD (1965) helps to ensure that less wealthy Americans have decent, safe places to live. It also provides inexpensive loans to low-income families and supports people trying to fix up houses in poor neighborhoods.
9- Department of the Interior (1849) manages the natural resources of the United States including waterways, forests, minerals, fish and wildlife. Several important agencies include The US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Bureau of Mines, The National Park Service, and The Bureau of Indian Affairs, which addresses Native American issues and supervises reservations.
10- The Department of Justice or DOJ (1870) represents the United States in court, for example, in government investigations of unfair businesses practices. It also enforces federal laws and supervises federal prisons. Agencies within the DOJ include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), US Marshal's Service, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
11- The Department of Labor (1903) works to create a safe working environment to encourage opportunities for working people, and to develop good relations between employers and employees. One of its agencies Occupational Standards and Health Administration (OSHA), makes and enforces rules for safety in the workplace.
12- Department of State (1789)- was one of the original executive departments. Its role is to carry out the foreign policy of the United States. This is done through diplomats, who work with leaders of other nations and ambassadors who represent the United States in foreign countries. The Secretary of State often meets with foreign leaders to discuss issues and to help settle international disputes. The State Department also represents the United States in the United Nations.
13- Department of Transportation or DOT (1966) - has as its mission ensuring fast, safe, efficient, and convenient transportation for people and goods. Its agencies include the Federal Aviation Administration, which safeguards air travel through regulations about how aircraft must be built and flown, how airports are run, and how pilots are trained; the Federal Railroad Administration; and the Federal Highway Administration, which helps build and improve many of the nations roads and bridges.
14- Department of the Treasury (1789)- is in charge of the nation's money. The Internal Revenue Service collects duties on goods entering the country, and works to prevent smuggling. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing makes the country's paper money and coins. The Secret Service, which protects the president, vice president, and visiting foreign leaders is part of the Treasury Department.
15- Department of Veterans Affairs or VA (1989) is concerned with the health and welfare of millions of men and women who have served in the country's military forces. It manages about 170 hospitals and 400 outpatient clinics for veterans.
Independent Agencies:
Many independent agencies carry out the work of running the government. There are three types of independent agencies:
Executive Agencies:
Executive Agencies are created by Congress but are under the direct control of the president, who appoints their directors. Among the most important executive agencies are the:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Civil Rights Commission
- Peace Corps
Independent Regulatory Commissions:
Congress gives regulatory commissions their powers, and these agencies are mostly not under the president's direction and control. Regulatory commissions are appointed or official groups of regulators, who control aspects of government policy through rules and regulations. They set and enforce rules and rates for important parts of the nation's economy such as:
- Controlling the money supply
- Licensing or providing permits for interstate trucks and shipping.
- Making rules about the use of nuclear materials.
- Setting rates for gas, oil, and electricity.
Government Corporations:
Congress has set up these organizations to provide important public services that might be too expensive for private companies to provide but that the nation needs. One of the most familiar government corporations is the US Postal Service.
The Federal Bureaucracy:
Americans often complain about the size of the government bureaucracy, but few are willing to give up the services provided. In addition, the federal bureaucracy provides jobs to nearly three million people. Cutting the size of the bureaucracy would force many to find jobs into the private sector- the business world outside the government.
Civil Service System:
Civil service refers to the people who work for the government. About 10 percent of all American bureaucrats live in the Washington area. The other 90 percent work in regional, state, and local offices around the country. IN the early days of our country, these jobs were given to the friends of elected officials. Today's Civil Service System tries to avoid this by making sure that:
- Applicants for federal jobs take exams to see who is best qualified.
- Civil servants can't be fired because of their political opinions.
- Civil servants are promoted based on evaluations by their superiors instead of who their political friends are.