1. Executive Department

2. The Cabinet
Most of the work of the federal government is done by 15 executive departments
Often referred to as “cabinet” departments
Our government began with only three executive departments
Department of State
Department of Treasury
Department of War
More departments have been added over the years as our government has grown

3. The Cabinet Each department is headed by a secretary
Hence, secretary of state, secretary of interior, etc.
The exception is the Department of Justice which is headed by the Attorney General
Each department head serves in the Presidents Cabinet
They are the primary link between presidential policy and their department

4. The Cabinet The cabinet is the informal advisory body to the President
However, neither the Constitution or the Congress created the cabinet
The cabinet is a product of custom and usage

5. The Cabinet
Each secretary is appointed by the President and must be confirmed by the Senate
Rejections are exceedingly rare
When the President selects cabinet members, he usually does so based on his political party
In addition, secretaries are often chosen among those who played a major role in the presidential election

6. The Cabinet – Other Considerations
When selecting cabinet heads, other factors taken into consideration are
Professional qualifications
Practical experience
For example. The Secretary of the Treasury often comes out of the business world
Other qualification include gender and race, management abilities and experience, and a variety of other personal characteristics

7. Job Description Cabinet members have two major jobs
Individually, each is the administrative head of their executive department
As a group, they are the advisors to the president

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