Who and What makes up the US Cabinet?

 

Who and What makes up the US Cabinet?

The US Cabinet consists of key departments within the Executive Branch, designed to provide crucial advice to the President on matters specific to their areas. Each department is led by a secretary who manages activities and reports directly to the President. Appointments are made by the President but require Senate confirmation for nominees. Importantly, these appointees can be dismissed at any time without needing Senate approval.

Cabinet departments include State, Treasury, Defense, Attorney General, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Energy, Education, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security.

What Is the Role of the US Cabinet? 

The primary role of the US Cabinet is to counsel the President on pertinent issues related to their offices. While they lack governing power themselves; they work closely with presidential directives that address American needs.

Which Departments Comprise the US Cabinet?

Atop this influential group sits the Vice President—the highest-ranking member—followed by various secretaries overseeing federal government operations:

1. Department of State: Created by Thomas Jefferson

Initially known as the Department of Foreign Affairs, this department focuses on international relations and foreign policy for the nation. The helm is held by the Secretary of State, who ranks first in line within the Cabinet succession after the Vice President.

2. Department of Treasury: Created by Alexander Hamilton

Guided by the Secretary of the Treasury, this department oversees currency production in America. It also manages public debt and plays a crucial role in finance, taxation laws, and fiscal strategies.

3. Department of Defense:  Created by Congress to combine both Dept of Navy and War Department in 1947.

With leadership from the Secretary of Defense, this department is tasked with national security issues as well as overseeing all operations related to the United States Armed Forces.

4. Attorney General: Created by President George Washington in 1789

As head of the Justice Department, the Attorney General acts as chief legal advisor to the U.S. Government. This role includes supervising various agencies like the FBI, DEA, and Bureau of Prisons under DOJ’s umbrella

5. Department of the Interior Created by Robert James Walker while serving President Polk

The Secretary of the Interior oversees this department, which manages federal lands with a focus on conservation and natural resources like wildlife, dams, and reservoirs. It also addresses territorial issues and Native American affairs while handling responsibilities related to national parks.

6. Department of Agriculture: Created by President Lincoln

Established by Abraham Lincoln, the USDA focuses on farming, food production, and rural economic development. It's a vital resource for farmers and food manufacturers in navigating crop sales and distribution.

7. Department of Commerce: Created by President Theadore Roosevelt

Headed by the Secretary of Commerce, this department promotes economic growth through industrial standards setting and data collection for informed policymaking.

8. Department of Labor: Created by President Taft

Led by the Secretary of Labor, this department administers unemployment benefits and enforces workplace safety regulations to protect employees' rights.

9. Department of Health and Human Services: Created by President Jimmy Carter

This department is directed by its secretary to manage public health initiatives ranging from physical fitness programs to opioid prevention strategies as well as adoption services.

10. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Created by President John F Kennedy

This department is at the forefront of managing initiatives like Housing and Community Planning and Development. They are key players in crafting legislation that shapes urban development and promotes fair housing practices.

11. Department of Transportation: Created by both President Lyndon B Johnson and Najeeb Halaby

Led by the Secretary of Transportation, this department ensures that American transportation systems are both safe and up-to-date. Commonly referred to as USDOT or DOT, it orchestrates policies to keep our roads, transit, airways, and railways running smoothly.

12. Department of Energy: Created by President Jimmy Carter

The Department of Energy tackles critical issues surrounding energy production, waste management, and nuclear security. It oversees the nation’s energy supply while addressing climate change challenges through groundbreaking research across its 17 National Laboratories.

13. Department of Education: Created by President Andrew Johnson in 1867 

Led by the Secretary of Education, this department is tasked with various educational responsibilities, such as managing financial loans and grants while gathering critical data on schools to shape future policies.

14. Department of Veterans Affairs: Created By President Ronald Reagan

The Veterans Affairs Department focuses on delivering healthcare and benefits to U.S. veterans. It addresses pressing challenges like veteran homelessness and research effective policies to support those who have bravely served their country.

15. Department of Homeland Security:  Created by President George W Bush

Established by President George W. Bush in response to the September 11 attacks, the DHS stands as the third-largest Cabinet office. Its mission encompasses public security matters, including combating terrorism, preventing disasters, enhancing cybersecurity, securing borders, and overseeing immigration issues.

Other areas that are considered at the Cabinet-level include the White House Chief of Staff, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Office of Management and Budget, the United States Trade Representative, the United States Mission to the United Nations, the Council of Economic Advisers, and the Small Business Administration. While these sections are not technically their own departments, the head administrators receive Cabinet-rank status.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Phoenix University in Business Management, then a degree. Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, Gouche, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week.