Cabinet Will Change for President Obama’s 2nd Term

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has already announced her intention to step down and take some time “to chill.” Clinton has navigated through some of the toughest foreign policy challenges, including the revolutions in the Middle East, shifting relations with China and Asian countries, and tensions with Iran and Russia.  While she has not committed to running for president in 2016, she is a leading contender to be the Democratic Party’s nominee in the next presidential election.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is also likely to depart.  Geithner steered the White House’s economic policy through the depths of the recession and international banking crises.  He was criticized for choosing to bailout big banks and corporations on Wall Street, but he is also credited with helping avoid an even bigger economic collapse and depression.

What is the Cabinet?

	As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton is the most senior member of the Cabinet and sits at the right hand of the president during meetings.

The Cabinet consists of the vice president and fifteen executive department heads, whose job is to advise the president.

The Constitution states that the President “may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices” but it does not specify how many departments there should be.

Check out Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution here.

The practice dates back to America’s first president, George Washington. His Cabinet consisted of four men: the Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of War and Attorney General.

The Cabinet usually meets at least once a week. See a list of Cabinet members below.

Who can be in the Cabinet?

	Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is the president's chief economic advisor. The position was first held by Alexander Hamilton.

A Cabinet member cannot be a member of Congress, a sitting governor or a member of the president’s immediate family. 

The president nominates each of the Cabinet members, but most have to be confirmed by a majority vote of the Senate to get the job.

Other than this, there are no legal or constitutional requirements. The president can dismiss Cabinet members as he pleases. They are also expected to resign when a new president takes office, though some presidents choose to keep on selected Cabinet members from the previous administration.

Line of Succession

	In 2008 Presdient Obama said he hoped to create a "team of rivals" Cabinet inspired by Doris Kearns Goodwin's depiction of President Lincoln and his Cabinet.

The Cabinet is also in the presidential line of succession. Should the president be incapable of performing his duties, resign or die, the Presidential Succession Act states who will take his place. Because of this, the entire Cabinet is not supposed to be in one location at the same time.

For instance, when the president delivers the State of the Union Address, one of the people in the line is chosen to be the designated survivor and is kept at a physically distant, secure, and undisclosed location.

The line of succession is as follows

1. Vice President
2. Speaker of the House of Representatives
3. President Pro Tempore of the Senate
4. Secretary of State
5. Secretary of the Treasury
6. Secretary of Defense
7. Attorney General
8. Secretary of the Interior
9. Secretary of Agriculture
10. Secretary of Commerce
11. Secretary of Labor
12. Secretary of Health and Human Services
13. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
14. Secretary of Transportation
15. Secretary of Energy
16. Secretary of Education
17. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
18. Secretary of Homeland Security

Current department heads:

Department of State
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton

The position has existed since 1789 and the secretary is also a member of the National Security Council. The secretary advises the President on foreign policy as the department work on American interests overseas. The Department analyzes data, negotiates treaties and agreements and represents the U.S. at international conferences and organizations such as the UN. Secretary Clinton has been in office since January 21, 2009. She has previously stated her plans to resign after her successor is confirmed, possibly shortly after the inauguration.

Department of Treasury
Secretary Timothy Geithner

The position has existed since 1789. The Department of Treasury is concerned with financial and monetary matters and the Secretary functions as principal economic advisor to the President. The responsibilities include recommending domestic and international financial policies, taxes and managing public dept. Secretary Geithner has been in office since January 26, 2009 and has said that he will step down after the end of President Obama’s first term.

Department of Defense
Secretary Leon E. Panetta

The position was formed in 1947 after the Department of Defense was founded and became the head military department. The Departments of the Army, Navy and Air Force became subordinate, as did their secretaries. The Department coordinates and supervises all governmental agencies and functions concerned directly with national security and the US armed forces. The Secretary directs and controls of the Department, which also includes the Joint Chiefs of Staff who provide the President with military advise. Secretary Panetta has been in office since July 1, 2011 preceding Robert Gates who had been the Secretary since the Bush administration. He has made it clear that he doesn’t intend to stay for a second term.

Department of Justice
Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr.

The position was formed in 1789, and the department was established in 1870 to discharge the responsibilities. It consists of lawyers, investigators and agents who enforce the law. The Attorney General advises and represents the US in legal matters, and appears as a representative of the Government before the Supreme Court in exceptional cases. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. has been in office since February 3, 2009 (and was also briefly in office in 2001, under President Bush). He is expected to stay on for at least part of the President’s second term, but eventually move on.

Department of the Interior
Secretary Kenneth L. Salazar

The position was formed in 1849. The Department manages all public lands and minerals, national parks and wildlife and it upholds trust responsibilities to Indian tribes. These responsibilities for instance include conservation, preservation, endangered species and mapping. The Secretary directs and supervises, and reports to the President. Secretary Kenneth L. Salazar has been in office since January 20, 2009 and has not made any strong statements yet about leaving soon.

Department of Agriculture
Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack

The position was formed in 1889. The Department includes organizations like the US Forest Service, Food Safety and Inspection Service and even the Food Stamps Program. It means they works to develop markets for agricultural products as well as develop and maintain the rural areas. They are also responsible for ensuring standards of quality in our food supply. The Secretary directs and supervises, and reports to the President. Secretary Vilsack has been in office since January 20, 2009 and is thought to stay on for a second term,

Department of Commerce
Acting Secretary Rebecca Blank

Originally called the Department of Commerce and Labor, the Secretary position was formed in 1903. It was however divided in 1913. The Department of Commerce is concerned with creating economic growth in the US. To do this they gather data and offer assistance to improve America’s competitiveness in the world. It includes everything from understanding the natural resources to helping small businesses grow. Acting Secretary Rebecca Blank took office June 11, 2012 because the appointed Secretary John Bryson had to take a medical leave and subsequently resigned.

Department of Labor
Secretary Hilda L. Solis

Following the division of departments, the position as Secretary of labor was formed in 1913. The Department is responsible for all things related to employment: safety at the workplace, wage and hours as well as unemployment insurance and re-employment services. The Secretary controls the department and enforces laws, including unions, and is an advisor to the President. Secretary Solis has been in office since February 24, 2009 and has indicated that she wouldn’t mind staying in the job.

Department of Health and Human Services
Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

The position was formed in 1953 and the department used to also include education. Since 1979, however, it works solely towards the goal of protecting the health and providing services to every American. The Secretary is to advise the President on matters of health, welfare and income security plans as well as overseeing programs and promoting general public understanding. Secretary Sebelius has been in office since April 28, 2009 and is said likely to stay put to help implement the Affordable Care Act, nicknamed "Obamacare".

Department of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary Shaun L.S. Donovan

The position was formed in 1965. The department is responsible for programs concerned with improvement and development of communities, and the increase of homeownership. The Secretary recommends basic policies and works to stimulate for instance private sector initiatives to ensure equal access to housing. Secretary Donovan has held office since January 26, 2009 and has indicated that he might continue.

Department of Transportation
Secretary Ray LaHood

The position was formed in 1966. The department establishes all transportation policy and oversees everything from highway planning, development and construction to mass transit and aviation. The Secretary advises the President on these issues. Secretary LaHood has held office since January 22, 2009 and is the only republican Cabinet member. He is thought to stay on.

Department of Energy
Secretary Steven Chu

The position was formed in 1977. The department is concerned with policies on energy and safety in handling nuclear material. It is entrusted to contribute by providing information and the educational foundation needed to ensure efficiency in energy use and the best use of energy sources. The Secretary is an advisor on policies and plans to the President, and communicates the department. Secretary Chu is a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and has held office since January 21, 2009. According to The Washington Post he is thought to be leaving soon as he has had problems dealing with entrenched oil and gas interests in the field.

Department of Education
Secretary Arne Duncan

The position was formed in 1979, when education got its own department. It doesn’t establish schools and colleges, but collects data and enforce federal education laws and establish policies in the field. The Secretary advises the President on education plans and programs, as well as directing and supervising the department. Secretary Duncan has been in office since January 21, 2009 and is thought to stay in his job.

Department of Veterans Affairs
Secretary Eric K. Shinseki

The agency was formed in 1930 and achieved Cabinet rank in 1989. It is a government-run veteran benefit system. These benefits include, among other things, compensation payments, education and rehabilitation as well as a medical care program. The Secretary directs and supervises all operations and activities and report to the President. Secretary Shinseki has held office since January 20, 2009 and is thought to stay on.

Department of Homeland Security
Secretary Janet A. Napolitano

The department was created in response to the September 11 attacks, and officially formed in 2002. Its primary responsibilities are protection, prevention and response to terrorist attacks against the US, as well as natural disasters and man-made accidents. The Secretary is the head of this and reports to the President. Secretary Napolitano has held office since January 21, 2009. According to The Washington Post she is rumored to be looking to replace the Attorney General, who is currently Eric Holden.

Others with Cabinet-rank:

White House Chief of Staff
Jack Lew

Environmental Protection Agency
Administrator Lisa P. Jackson

Office of Management & Budget
Jeffrey Zients, Acting Director

United States Trade Representative
Ambassador Ronald Kirk

United States Ambassador to the United Nations
Ambassador Susan Rice

Council of Economic Advisers
Chairman Alan B. Krueger

Small Business Administration
Administrator Karen G. Mills