Omar Bennett
The President's Cabinet is a series of departments within the Executive Branch of the US government, which advise the President on issues related to their respective offices. The Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments, including the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Defense, Attorney General, and more. While the Cabinet has no official governing power, its work impacts the lives of Americans daily. Notably, the President can designate additional positions to be members of the Cabinet, which can vary under each administration. Now, who is not part of the President's Cabinet?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Members of the Cabinet | Are appointed by the President and do not need Senate approval |
| Are in the line of succession to the Presidency | |
| Are heads of departments and agencies | |
| Non-members of the Cabinet | Are not appointed by the President and do not have a fixed term |
| Are not in the line of succession to the Presidency | |
| Are not heads of departments or agencies |
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What You'll Learn
The Speaker of the House
The current Speaker of the House is Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana. Johnson was elected to replace Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted from the position in October 2023. Johnson is the first Speaker in US history from Louisiana.
While the Constitution does not explicitly require the Speaker to be an incumbent member of the House of Representatives, every Speaker thus far has been. As a member, the Speaker also represents their district and retains the right to vote. The Speaker is chosen by a roll call vote, and to be elected, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast.
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The President Pro Tempore of the Senate
The role of President Pro Tempore carries certain privileges and limited powers. In addition to presiding over the Senate, the President Pro Tempore is responsible for convening the Senate, signing enrolled legislation before it is sent to the President, and ruling on points of order. They also work with the Secretary and Sergeant at Arms of the Senate to enforce rules governing the use of the Capitol and Senate buildings. The President Pro Tempore is the designated legal recipient of various reports to the Senate, including War Powers Act reports, under which they may require the President to call Congress back into session. They are also an ex officio member of various boards and commissions and make appointments to other national commissions and advisory boards.
The current President Pro Tempore of the US Senate is Chuck Grassley. The position has traditionally been held by the most senior member of the majority party since the mid-20th century. Grassley has stated his responsibilities as President Pro Tempore include administering oaths required by the Constitution, recommending candidates for US Comptroller General, and other appointments to national commissions and advisory boards.
The role of President Pro Tempore is distinct from that of the Vice President, who is part of the President's Cabinet. The President Pro Tempore is not a member of the Cabinet but is instead in the legislative branch.
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The President's Chief of Staff
The role of the Chief of Staff is highly influential and demanding. They are often referred to as the "gatekeeper" to the President, as they decide who gets access to the President's time and attention. The Chief of Staff also ensures that the President's agenda and priorities are effectively communicated and implemented across the various departments and agencies within the executive branch. They work closely with the cabinet members, attending cabinet meetings, and ensuring that the President's policies are executed efficiently.
A critical function of the Chief of Staff is managing the White House staff. They oversee the hiring and firing of personnel, ensure smooth communication and coordination among different departments, and maintain discipline and order within the White House. The Chief of Staff also acts as a confidante and advisor to the President, providing honest feedback, offering alternative perspectives, and helping the President make informed decisions. The individual in this role is expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape, be well-versed in policy matters, and possess strong leadership and management skills.
The Chief of Staff position demands exceptional organisational abilities, political acumen, and a deep understanding of the legislative process. They often play a pivotal role in negotiating with Congress, building coalitions, and advancing the President's legislative agenda. Additionally, the Chief of Staff may also take on a public-facing role, acting as the President's spokesperson and representing the administration's viewpoint to the media and the public. Overall, the Chief of Staff plays a vital part in ensuring the President's effectiveness and success, serving as a trusted advisor and ensuring the smooth functioning of the executive branch.
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The Council of Economic Advisers
The CEA is made up of a chairperson and two to three additional member economists. The chairperson is nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, while the other members are appointed by the president. As of July 2017, the council's staff included a chief of staff, fifteen economists, and two operations staff. The chief of staff also acts as the Director of Macroeconomic Forecasting.
The CEA has played a significant role in policymaking, making five technical advances in its first seven years. These included replacing a "cyclical model" of the economy with a "growth model", setting quantitative economic targets, and recognizing the need for greater flexibility in taxation. The council also prepares the Economic Report of the President, which is published annually in February. This report reviews the impact of economic activity in the previous year and outlines economic goals for the coming year.
The CEA has been criticized for the political nature of its annual economic report, as well as its unreliability and inaccuracy over standard projection periods. However, it continues to play a crucial role in advising the president and shaping economic policy.
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The Small Business Administration
- Counseling services: The SBA offers a range of counseling services to help entrepreneurs and small business owners with starting, building, and growing their businesses.
- Funding: The SBA provides access to low-interest disaster loans and government contracts to help small businesses recover from declared disasters. It also offers the 7(a) Loan Guarantee Program, which helps entrepreneurs access capital through bank and non-bank lending institutions.
- Education and training: The SBA and its partners host virtual and in-person educational trainings, workshops, and events to help individuals start and grow their businesses.
- Women's Business Center Program: The SBA provides support to a national network of over 100 non-profit Women's Business Centers (WBCs) across the United States and its territories. WBCs assist women in starting and growing small businesses, and their services are available to all.
- Government contracts: The SBA helps small businesses learn how to find and win government contracts.
The SBA has faced several threats to its existence, including efforts by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives in 1996 to eliminate the agency and attempts by the Bush Administration to end the SBA loan program. However, the SBA has survived and even thrived, receiving strengthened budgets and support from the Obama administration. In 2011, President Obama announced that the SBA would double its support for rural small businesses. The SBA's administrator is a Senate-confirmed appointee, and in 2012, President Obama elevated the position to cabinet-level, as it had been during the Clinton administration.
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Frequently asked questions
The President's Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments: the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Defense, Attorney General, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Transportation, Energy, Education, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security.
The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate are not part of the President's Cabinet. While the President may designate additional positions to be members of the Cabinet, these two roles are in the legislative branch and are not part of the executive branch.
The role of the President's Cabinet is to advise the President on a range of matters, including education, health, and defense, and other issues related to their respective offices. The Cabinet has no official governing power, but its work significantly impacts the lives of Americans daily.
