What Do Cabinet Members Do?
The U.S. Cabinet consists of members of the executive branch of the United States government, responsible for advising the President on key areas that are important to the country and overseeing the activities of various government departments. Cabinet members are selected by the President and then confirmed by the U.S. Senate. They serve until the election of a new president.
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Types of Cabinet Positions
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The departments represented in the U.S. Cabinet include Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury and Veterans Affairs.
Secretary of State
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The Secretary of State oversees the State Department, which has the responsibility for maintaining diplomatic relations with foreign countries.
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Attorney General
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The Attorney General heads the Department of Justice, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the U.S. Federal Marshals and a number of other law enforcement organizations.
Secreatries of the Interior and Veterans Affairs
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The Secretary of the Interior is responsible for the functioning of the Department of the Interior, which is mandated to protect the country's national resources. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs leads the Department of Veterans Affairs, which cares for people who serve in the United States Armed Forces as well as their families.
Features
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Within each Secretary's department are a number of workers, dedicated to instituting programs funded with federal money and drafting public policies.
Significance
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The members of the U.S. Cabinet also serve in the order of Presidential succession should the Vice-President, Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate all be unable to serve in the office of the President.
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