7 th Grade Civics Miss Smith *pgs Civics in Practice

 The Executive Office of the President includes:  The president’s closest personal and political advisors  Press secretary  Researchers  Clerical staff (secretaries and assistants)

 The heads of the Executive Branch departments form the president’s cabinet  The pres. appoints the members of cabinet, but Senate must approve them  The heads of the departments are called “secretary”. Ex: Secretary of State  The exception to this is the attorney general (the head of the Department of Justice)

 Keep track of people traveling to and from the U.S.  Issue passports  Issues visas (documents that allow foreigners to come to the U.S.)

 Responsible for foreign policy  Ambassadors- highest ranking U.S. representatives sent to foreign countries  An embassy is their official office and residence  Consul- a person who represents U.S. commercial interests in foreign countries  A consulate is their office

 In charge of the armed forces  Operates military bases in the U.S. and other nations  Provide relief efforts during natural disasters in other countries  The secretary of defense is a civilian (nonmilitary)

 Congress can reorganize, combine, and create departments  Ex: Dept. of Homeland Security  Protects the nation from terrorist and provides help during natural disasters in our country  Dept. of Treasury  Manages federal finances, collects taxes, currency, postage stamps, investigating tax evaders, etc.  Dept. of Justice  Enforces federal laws

1. Dept. of State 2. Dept. of the Treasury 3. Dept. of Defense 4. Dept. of Justice 5. Dept. of the Interior 6. Dept. of Agriculture 7. Dept. of Commerce 8. Dept. of Labor 9. Dept. of Health & Human Services 10. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development 11. Dept. of Transportation 12. Dept. of Energy 13. Dept. of Education 14. Dept. of Veterans Affairs 15. Dept. of Homeland Security *The president may create new cabinet seats at any time