1. The State Department – Managing U.S. Foreign Relations The State Department oversees U.S. diplomacy, negotiating treaties, managing embassies, and advising the President on global affairs. The Secretary of State, appointed by the President, serves as the top diplomat. This department plays a key role in international crises, influencing sanctions, foreign aid, and military intervention. Because the President directly controls the State Department, foreign policy can change immediately. For example, Trump withdrew from the Iran Nuclear Deal in 2017, while Biden rejoined the Paris Climate Accord in 2021. 2. The Department of Defense – Overseeing the U.S. Military The Department of Defense (DOD) manages the armed forces and protects national security. The Secretary of Defense, appointed by the President, oversees military strategy and a budget exceeding $800 billion. As Commander-in-Chief, the President makes final decisions on war, troop deployments, and military operations, with advice from the Pentagon. For example, Trump ordered the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2020, finalized under Biden in 2021. Presidents also decide on military interventions, such as Obama’s deployment to Syria and Bush’s launch of the Iraq War. 3. The Treasury Department – Managing the U.S. Economy The Treasury Department oversees tax policies, federal spending, and financial regulations. The Secretary of the Treasury, appointed by the President, shapes tax laws, trade policies, and budgets, while the IRS handles tax collection. Treasury also manages the national debt and influences job creation and economic growth. For example, Trump’s Treasury Department passed corporate tax cuts, while Biden’s focused on COVID-19 stimulus payments. The President’s economic philosophy—whether tax cuts or increased spending—directly impacts Treasury decisions. 4. The Department of Justice – Enforcing Federal Laws The DOJ handles law enforcement, prosecutions, and national security investigations. The Attorney General, appointed by the President, oversees agencies like the FBI, DEA, and Bureau of Prisons, focusing on crime, terrorism, and civil rights cases. For example, Trump’s DOJ investigated election fraud and illegal immigration, while Biden’s prioritized civil rights and January 6th prosecutions. Though expected to apply laws fairly, critics argue presidents use the DOJ to target opponents or shield allies. 5. The Department of Homeland Security – Protecting U.S. Borders Created after 9/11, DHS handles border security, terrorism, cyber threats, and disaster response. The Secretary of Homeland Security, appointed by the President, oversees immigration policies, travel restrictions, and security measures. For example, Trump’s DHS enforced a “zero tolerance” policy, leading to family separations, while Biden reversed many of those policies. With border security and terrorism as key concerns, DHS remains a highly scrutinized agency. Why Does Executive Control Matter? The agencies listed above are just a few examples of the President’s power over the federal government. Because the President can hire and fire these officials, their policies will almost always align with the White House’s priorities. This is why a new president can bring massive changes overnight: • Environmental regulations might be tightened or rolled back. • Tax rates can be lowered or raised. • Immigration policies can become stricter or more lenient. • Foreign relations can shift dramatically based on diplomacy decisions. • In short, executive agencies play a crucial role in how government functions and how policies affect everyday Americans. Since these agencies follow the President’s directives, elections directly impact the country’s future in ways that extend far beyond just voting for a single person. Understanding how these agencies work helps us see why presidential power matters—and why who we elect can change the entire direction of the country.