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Chapter 30 The Executive Branch Section 2: The Organization of the Executive Branch

The Organization of the Executive Branch The executive branch is the largest branch in the Government. It has become a huge bureaucracy: an organization of government departments, agencies, and offices. The President appoints a team of executive branch officials, or an administration.

The Executive Office of the President The White House Staff The White House Staff includes the Presidents most trusted advisors and assistants. They give the President advice and information about national security, the economy, and other subjects.

The Executive Office of the President The Vice President The Vice President presides over the senate. The President assigns tasks for the Vice President to do, like heading special commissions, making trips to other countries, and working with Congress. If the President dies or can no longer serve the Vice President becomes President. Our Vice President is Joe Biden.

The Executive Office of the President Special Advisory Group The Office of Management Budget: decides how much the President's policy will cost. The National Security Council: Helps the President make foreign policy.

The Executive Office of the President The Executive Department There are 15 executive departments. Each Executive Department helps fulfill one or more of the Presidents duties.

The Executive Office of the President The Department of Homeland Security They safeguard our country from terrorism. They coordinate the antiterrorist activities of many federal agencies.

The Executive Office of the President The Cabinet The cabinet is an important group of policy advisors to the President. Secretary of State: John Kerry Secretary of the Treasury: Jack Lew Secretary of Defense: Chuck Hagel

The Independent Agencies Executive Agencies They are under direct control of the President. Among the most important agencies are NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration and EPA. (Environmental Protection Agency)

The Independent Agencies Regulatory Commissions Congress has formed 12 commissions. Each one carries out rules for a certain business or economic activity.

The Independent Agencies Government Corporations They are like private businesses in that they try to make a profit. The United States Postal Service is one example of a government corporation.

The Civil Service The President chooses fewer than 1 percent of the workers. Congress set up the Civil Services system. Under this system most government workers, called Civil Servants are hired on the basis or merit. There are tests for most kinds of jobs, and workers are hired from among these with the highest scores.