The day-to-day enforcement and administration of federal laws is in the hands of the various executive departments, which were created with the consent of Congress, to deal with specific areas of national and international affairs. The heads of the departments are selected by the president and form a council of advisers generally known as the president's "Cabinet." In addition to 14 Cabinet-level departments, there are a number of smaller organizations which also operate under the direction of the president.

The role of the Cabinet depends on the particular president. Some presidents have relied heavily on them for advice, others lightly. Whether or not Cabinet members act as advisers, they always retain the responsibility for directing the activities of the government in specific areas.

Each department has thousands of employees, with federal offices located throughout the country. These professionals cannot be removed as a result of elections, providing institutional stability in the government.

For more detailed information on the federal agencies under the president's authority, see the links below.

Clinton Administration's Second Cabinet

Executive Branch
Federal Agencies and Commissions

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