Executive Departments in the Federal Government

These department heads, along with the white house chief of staff and other top advisors, form the president’s cabinet, which serves as the principal advisory body to the president.

The Department of State

The Department of State is the principal foreign affairs agency of the United States federal government. Its mission is to advance U.S. foreign policy interests and promote international peace and security. The Department of State is responsible for:

Negotiating and implementing international treaties and agreements
Promoting U.S. trade and commerce abroad
Advising the President and other government agencies on foreign policy issues
Administering U.S. foreign aid programs
Protecting U.S. citizens and their interests abroad
Promoting democracy and human rights globally
Supporting U.S. embassies and consulates abroad
Providing consular services, including issuing passports and visas.

The head of the Department of State is the secretary of state, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of state is the president’s top advisor on foreign policy and serves as the chief diplomat of the United States.

Department of the Treasury

The Department of the Treasury is the federal government’s main financial management agency. Its mission is to promote the economic and financial security of the United States. The Department of the Treasury is responsible for:

Managing the federal government’s finances and revenue collection
Issuing and servicing the national debt
Administering tax laws
Regulating banks and financial institutions
Printing and distributing currency
Protecting the nation’s financial systems from fraud and illegal activities
Implementing economic sanctions and combating financial terrorism
Providing financial services to other government agencies

The head of the Department of the Treasury is the secretary of the sreasury, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of the treasury is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as a key advisor on economic and financial policy.

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is the federal agency responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to national security and the U.S. military. The DOD’s mission is to provide the military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of the United States. The Department of Defense is responsible for:

Planning, developing and executing military strategy and operations
Maintaining the readiness of the armed forces to carry out their missions
Providing military intelligence and support to other government agencies
Administering military justice and supporting the welfare of service members and their families
Protecting the nation’s interests abroad and providing humanitarian aid
Managing the defense budget and procurement of weapons and equipment

The head of the Department of Defense is the secretary of defense, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of defense is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as the principal civilian advisor to the president on defense and military issues. The secretary of defense supervises the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the military’s highest-ranking officers.

Department of Justice

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the federal government’s main law enforcement agency. Its mission is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law, and to ensure public safety against threats, both foreign and domestic. The Department of Justice is responsible for:

Enforcing federal laws and representing the U.S. government in legal matters
Protecting the civil rights of citizens
Administering justice and protecting the public through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies
Providing legal advice to the President and other executive branch agencies
Defending the country against national security threats
Protecting the public through the Bureau of Prisons, which manages federal correctional facilities

The head of the Department of Justice is the attorney general, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The attorney general is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as the government’s chief law enforcement officer. The attorney general oversees the work of the DOJ, including the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, and provides legal advice to the president and other executive branch agencies.

Department of the Interior

The Department of the Interior is a federal agency responsible for managing and conserving the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage. Its mission is to protect and provide access to these resources for the benefit of present and future generations. The Department of the Interior is responsible for:

Managing and conserving lands and natural resources, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges
Overseeing the development and use of energy and mineral resources on federal lands
Protecting endangered species and conserving biodiversity
Administering the rights of Native American tribes and ensuring their access to natural resources and cultural heritage
Preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the United States through the National Park Service and other programs
Conducting scientific research and gathering data on the nation’s natural and cultural resources

The head of the Department of the Interior is the secretary of the interior, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of the interior is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as the principal advisor to the president on natural resource and environmental issues. The Secretary of the Interior supervises a number of bureaus and offices, including the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.

Department of Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a federal agency responsible for developing and executing federal policies related to farming, agriculture, forestry, and food. Its mission is to promote agricultural production and rural development, ensure a safe and abundant food supply, and protect natural resources. The Department of Agriculture is responsible for:

Providing support and services to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities
Conducting research and promoting innovation in agriculture
Ensuring the safety and quality of the food supply through inspection and regulation
Protecting and conserving the nation’s forest and rangeland resources
Administering food and nutrition assistance programs for low-income individuals and families
Promoting international trade and agricultural development abroad
Conducting agricultural census and collecting data on agriculture and food production

The head of the Department of Agriculture is the Secretary of Agriculture, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of agriculture is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as the chief advisor to the president on agricultural policy and rural development. The secretary of agriculture supervises a number of agencies, including the Forest Service, the Agricultural Research Service, and the Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce is a federal agency responsible for promoting economic growth and job creation, improving living standards, and promoting sustainable development. Its mission is to foster, serve, and promote the nation’s economic development and technological advancement. The Department of Commerce is responsible for:

Promoting U.S. businesses and exports and improving the competitiveness of American industry
Conducting economic and demographic surveys and collecting data on the U.S. economy
Managing and allocating the use of the nation’s ocean and coastal resources
Supporting the development of new technologies and innovations through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Administering patent and trademark programs to protect intellectual property rights
Supporting the growth of minority-owned businesses through the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
Protecting personal data privacy through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

The head of the Department of Commerce is the Secretary of Commerce, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of commerce is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as the chief advisor to the president on economic and technological matters. The secretary of commerce supervises a number of agencies, including the Census Bureau, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the International Trade Administration (ITA).

Department of Labor

The Department of Labor (DOL) is a federal agency responsible for promoting and protecting the welfare of American workers. Its mission is to improve working conditions, advance opportunities for profitable employment, and ensure work-related benefits and rights. The Department of Labor is responsible for:

Enforcing federal laws related to labor and employment, such as minimum wage and overtime laws
Administering programs that provide job training and employment services to workers, including unemployment insurance and job placement programs
Ensuring the health and safety of workers through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Protecting the rights of workers, including the rights of workers with disabilities, and ensuring equal employment opportunity through the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
Administering retirement, health, and other benefits to American workers and their families through the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)
Promoting collective bargaining and protecting the rights of unionized workers through the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS)

The head of the Department of Labor is the Secretary of Labor, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of labor is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as the chief advisor to the president on labor and employment policy. The secretary of labor supervises a number of agencies, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a federal agency responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. Its mission is to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans and provide essential human services. The Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for:

Administering public health and welfare programs, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare, and Medicaid
Protecting the health of the public through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Providing medical and social services to families, children, and individuals in need, including foster care and adoption services, through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
Conducting and supporting medical research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Providing services to American Indians and Alaska Natives through the Indian Health Service (IHS)
Promoting the economic and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities through the Administration for Community Living (ACL)

The head of the Department of Health and Human Services is the Secretary of Health and Human Services, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of health and human services is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as the chief advisor to the president on health and welfare policy. The secretary of health and human services supervises a number of agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is a federal agency responsible for ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system that meets the needs of the American people, the economy, and the country’s security. Its mission is to ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system for the American people today and into the future. The Department of Transportation is responsible for:

Regulating and promoting the development of all modes of transportation, including air, maritime, and surface transportation
Ensuring the safety of the transportation system through agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Improving the efficiency and reliability of the transportation system through initiatives such as the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and the National Strategic Freight Network
Ensuring access to transportation for all Americans, including people with disabilities, through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Supporting research and innovation in the transportation sector through the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

The head of the Department of Transportation is the Secretary of Transportation, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of transportation is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as the chief advisor to the president on transportation policy. The secretary of transportation supervises a number of agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Department of Energy

The Department of Energy (DOE) is a federal agency responsible for advancing the national, economic, and energy security of the United States. Its mission is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. The Department of Energy is responsible for:

Overseeing the country’s nuclear weapons program and the management of nuclear waste through the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Promoting energy security and independence through the development of new technologies and the expansion of domestic energy production, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy sources
Supporting research and development in advanced energy technologies, such as clean energy, energy efficiency, and carbon capture and storage
Ensuring the safety and reliability of the country’s energy infrastructure through programs such as the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability
Conducting basic and applied research in a wide range of scientific fields, including high-energy physics, materials science, and biological science through the Office of Science
Regulating the production and use of nuclear power through the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

The head of the Department of Energy is the Secretary of Energy, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of energy is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as the chief advisor to the president on energy policy. The secretary of energy supervises a number of agencies, including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), and the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE).

Department of Education

The Department of Education (ED) is a federal agency responsible for promoting student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities. Its mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities. The Department of Education is responsible for:

Administering federal financial aid programs, such as grants, loans, and work-study, to eligible students and their families to help pay for college or vocational training
Collecting and analyzing data on America’s schools and disseminating research, policy recommendations, and guidance to educators, policymakers, and the public
Enforcing federal education laws and regulations, including those related to civil rights, privacy, and education funding, to ensure that all students have equal educational opportunities
Supporting high-quality research, innovation, and effective instruction by providing grants, contracts, and technical assistance to schools, colleges, and universities
Promoting innovation and reform in America’s schools through initiatives such as the Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund and the Race to the Top program
Providing leadership and coordination for federal education programs, such as Head Start and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

The head of the Department of Education is the Secretary of Education, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of education is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as the chief advisor to the president on education policy. The secretary of education supervises a number of agencies, including the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) and the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE).

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal agency responsible for providing support and services to America’s military veterans. Its mission is to serve America’s veterans by providing them with the highest quality care and benefits and to help them make a successful transition to civilian life. The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for:

Administering a wide range of benefits and services for veterans, including disability compensation, education and training, home loans, life insurance, and pension benefits
Providing health care services to eligible veterans, including medical, surgical, and mental health treatment, through a network of VA medical centers and clinics
Assisting veterans in finding employment and accessing vocational rehabilitation and education services
Providing assistance and support to homeless veterans and their families, including shelter, medical care, and job training
Maintaining national cemeteries and providing burial and memorial services to eligible veterans and their families
Advocating for the rights and interests of veterans and working to improve the quality of life for them and their families

The head of the Department of Veterans Affairs head is the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of veterans affairs is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as the chief advisor to the president on veterans’ affairs. The secretary of veterans affairs supervises a number of agencies and programs, including the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).

Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency responsible for protecting the United States from terrorist attacks and other security threats. Its mission is to secure the nation from the many threats we face, including terrorism, cyber attacks, and natural disasters. The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for:

Protecting the country’s critical infrastructure, including transportation systems, cyber networks, and power grids
Preventing and responding to acts of terrorism, both domestically and internationally
Securing the nation’s borders and enforcing immigration laws through agencies such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Providing assistance and support to state, local, and tribal authorities in responding to natural disasters and other emergencies through agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Providing cybersecurity and intelligence services to protect against cyber-attacks and other security threats
Conducting research and development to enhance the nation’s ability to detect and prevent terrorism and other security threats

The head of the Department of Homeland Security head is the Secretary of Homeland Security, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of homeland security is a member of the president’s cabinet and serves as the chief advisor to the President on homeland security matters. The secretary of homeland security supervises a number of agencies and programs, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

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