Institutions of American Government Module 4.2: The Presidency Section 7: The Vice President, The Executive Office of the President, and the Cabinet
The Vice President Elected through the electoral college system Chosen as ‘running mate’ with PotUS Candidates Often chosen to balance an election campaign President of the US Senate Successor to the President in case of death, resignation May serve as Acting President in case of temporary disability Role of Vice President in executive branch historically unclear Increased role of Vice President in executive branch in the last 100 years
The Executive Office of the President The White House Office Chief of Staff Press Secretary (White House Spokesman) White House Counsel The Office of the Vice President Policy offices Office of Management & Budget Office of Administration Council of Economic Advisers National Security Council National Intelligence Directorate National Reconnaissance Office Office of the US Trade Representative Office of Policy Development Office of National Drug Control Policy Office of Science & Technology Policy Council on Environmental Quality
The Federal Executive Unitary/Cabinet Executive “All roads lead to the President” “The Buck Stops Here” PotUS has strong appointment power Usually checked by the Senate Chooses heads of Executive Departments 15 executive departments 21 cabinet-level officials Executive Departments answer to PotUS
Cabinet Departments “Main Line” executive departments Created/funded by Congress Usually headed by a secretary Secretary appointed by PotUS, confirmed by Senate Reports to PotUS Administers broad areas of public policy
The Cabinet Cabinet-level EOP members Department heads Vice President Secretary of State Secretary of the Treasury Secretary of Defense Attorney General Secretary of the Interior Secretary of Agriculture Secretary of Commerce Secretary of Labor Secretary of Health & Human Services Secretary of Housing & Urban Development Secretary of Transportation Secretary of Energy Secretary of Education Secretary of Veterans Affairs Secretary of Homeland Security Cabinet-level EOP members Vice President White House Chief of Staff OMB Director US Trade Representative EPA Administrator Nat’l Drug Control Policy Director
Cabinet Organization Political Appointments Direct Appointments Or civil service assignment Civil Service System (OPM & MSPB)