The President's Cabinet

Department of Treasury

An original cabinet position, includes US Mint (manufactures coins), the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (paper money), the Bureau of Public Debt, and the Internal Revenue Service. Heavily involved in policies regarding the creation of money, , borrowing money, and raising revenue (taxes).

Department of Homeland Security

Created in 2002, following the 9/11 terrorist attack. Controls Coast Guard and Border Patrol and counters/prevents terrorism in US. Develops national strategies to prevent acts of terror.

Department of Agriculture

Created to help farmers improve income and expand markets. Founded in 1862 to develops conservation programs for farmers. Provides financial credit to farmers and safeguard for national food supply. In charge of Federal 'food stamp' programs.

Department of Housing and Urban Development

Established in 1965 to support home ownership in the US. Operates the National Mortgage Association, to make money available for people to buy homes. Protects housing opportunities for the highly disadvantaged and those who've been discriminated against.

Department of Veteran's Affairs

Formerly known as Veteran's Administration. Administers hospitals and programs to benefit veterans of America's military, and their families. Founded in 1989 as a cabinet level position.

Department of Interior

Founded in 1849 to protect national land. Constructs water systems and protect natural resources. Manages public parks/lands and oversees relations with Native Americans. Most commonly known for its management of our national parks, monuments, and historic sites.

Department of Labor

Founded in 1913 to ensure safe working conditions. Also regulates pension rights, operates the Bureau of Labor Statistics, enforces the minimum wage. Also operates the Office of American Workplace (employee/management relations).

Department of Energy

Founded in 1977 after a massive energy (oil) shortage. The main purpose is to ensure consistent & affordable energy to US citizens (natural gas, coal, etc.). Regulates energy sources in the US.

Department of Health and Human Services

Generally protects the health of all Americans. Manages the Federal Medicare and Medicaid programs and oversees medical research (ex: the CDC and National Institute for Health). Provides outreach on social issues such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and operates the Office for Civil Rights.

Presidential Cabinet

Group of officials who head government departments and advise the president. Appointed by the President, must be approved by the Senate.

Department of Justice

Headed by the Attorney General. Previously, a singular position to advise the president, formally created in 1870 as a full department. Operates many law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, US Marshals, DEA, OJJDP, etc.

Core Cabinet

Heads of the departments of State, Defense, Treasury, and Justice. Considered the four most important Cabinet level positions, often called the INNER Cabinet.

Department of State

Main focus is the US's foreign policy. Protects rights of citizens traveling in foreign countries. Staffs embassies in foreign countries and speaks for U.S in United Nations. Originally called the Department of Foreign Affairs, established in 1789.

Department of Defense

Oversees the armed forces in order to protect the nation's security, originally named Department of War. Run with the advice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (leaders of each branch of armed forces).

Department of Commerce

Protects and promotes industrial and commercial segments of US economy. Consists of three agencies, the Bureau of Census (count people every 10 years), the Office of Patent and trademarks (new inventions), & the Standards and Technology (provides standards for weights and measurements). Established in 1903 under President Teddy Roosevelt.

Department of Education

Purpose is to help disabled kids with education, ensure equal education for students who are learning English, and offer assistance for students to pay for college with loans. Recommends standards for curriculum to be taught.

Department of Transportation

Regulate all aspects of transportation (aviation, railroads, highways, mass transit) in society in regards to our current and future needs, policy development, and planning. Established by Act of Congress in 1966 to ensures convenient transportation.