THE CABINET
The tradition of the Cabinet dates back to the beginnings of the Presidency itself. Established in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, the Cabinet's role is to advise the President on any subject he may require relating to the duties of each member's respective office.
The Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments — the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Attorney General.
President Obama at Cabinet meeting April 20, 2009 at the White House.
White House Photo by Pete Souza
In order of succession to the Presidency:
Vice President of the United States
Joseph R. Biden
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary Shaun L.S. Donovan
http://www.hud.gov
Department of Homeland Security
Secretary Janet A. Napolitano
http://www.dhs.gov
The following positions have the status of Cabinet-rank:
Council of Economic Advisers
Environmental Protection Agency
Administrator Lisa P. Jackson
Office of Management & Budget
Director Peter R. Orszag
United States Trade Representative
Ambassador Ronald Kirk
United States Ambassador to the United Nations
White House Chief of Staff
Rahm I. Emanuel
