1. The Organization of the Executive Branch
Class Notes

2. Three Parts of the Administration
1. Executive Office of the President
main job— advise the President on important matters
White House Staff
President’s most trusted advisers
Information and advice on important matters
all hired by the President without Senate approval

3. Three Parts of the Administration
Vice-President
Constitution gives one job—President of the Senate
Choice of each President the extent of the VP’s role
Becomes President if President dies
Special Advisory Groups
OMB=Office of Management and Budget
decided how much programs will cost, prepares budget
NSC=National Security Council
major role in foreign policy

4. Three Parts of the Administration
2. The Executive Departments
15—do much of the work in carrying out nation’s laws and running government programs
each one helps fulfill one of the President’s duties
Newest Department: Homeland Security
Includes Coast Guard, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Transportation Security Administration
The Cabinet
President appoints head of each department
all called Secretary except Attorney General
Head of each department is a member of the Cabinet

5. Three Parts of the Administration
3. Independent Agencies
Three types:
Executive Agencies
Direct control of the President—NASA, EPA
Regulatory Commissions
12 Commissions—make and carry out rules for specific business or economic activity
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Government Corporations
Try to make a profit, too risky/expensive for private business
For example: Post Office

6. The Civil Service System
President appoints less than 1% of workers in Executive Branch
1883—Civil Service System began
Government workers, “civil servants,” hired on basis of merit
Tests exist for most jobs
Trained workers stay from one administration to the next