Definitive Guide to the U.S. Cabinet

The Roles and Responsibilities of America’s 15 Cabinet Heads

In the U.S. Federal Government, “Cabinet” refers to the heads of the 15 executive departments plus the Vice President. You've heard the titles, like Secretary of State, Attorney General and others who's faces dominate the news (especially at the start of a new presidency). But what do these people actually do AND what are they supposed to do?

This book aims to clear away the mystique. We’ll delve into how and why each Cabinet department was established, trace the relevant statutes, and examine the day-to-day (and year-to-year) duties entrusted to the people running these massive bureaucratic machines. Along the way, we’ll meet key historical figures—some revered, some reviled, and others you likely never heard of but who quietly shaped the nation.

©2025 Derek V Smith (P)2025 Derek V Smith