Simple American Government Questions....President's Cabinet, Etc.?

Question

Very Simple Questions: Thank you!! :o)


1. How many members does the President's Cabinet have?

2. How are Cabinet members selected?

3. What services do ambassadors, ministers, and consuls perform?

4. How do Cabinet members aid in running the government?

Answer 1

The United States Cabinet (usually simplified as "the Cabinet") is composed of the most senior appointed officers of the executive branch of the federal government of the United States, and its existence dates back to the first American President (George Washington), who appointed a Cabinet of four people to advise and assist him in his duties. Cabinet officers are nominated by the President and then presented to the United States Senate for confirmation or rejection by a simple majority. If approved, they are sworn in, receive the title "Secretary," (except the Attorney General) and begin their duties. New offices such as Homeland Security are created by Presidential Proclamation.

The current cabinet is:
Office Incumbent
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Secretary of the Treasury Henry M. Paulson, Jr.
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales
Secretary of the Interior Dirk A. Kempthorne
Secretary of Agriculture Michael O. Johanns
Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael O. Leavitt
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso R. Jackson
Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters
Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman
Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson
Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff

Foreign Ambasadors, Ministers and consuls preform as the representative of the US on foreign soil.

Answer 2

1) It varies depending on the needs of the President

2) Nominated by the President and serve at his will

3) Represent the needs of the country to other countries

4) By giving advice and doing research on pertenant questions of the President