Cabinet Departments and Their Functions 2

Question 1

The United States Department of Transportation

Answer 1

• was formed in April, 1967, and consists of seven divisions representing the various modes of transportation, plus the U.S. Coast Guard, the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and the Office of the Secretary.
• Responsible for transportation safety improvements and enforcement, international transportation agreements and the continuity of transportation services in the public interest.
• Also prepares and proposes all legislation relating to transportation, coordinates transportation issues with other concerned agencies, and provides technical assistance to the states and cities in support of transportation programs and objectives.

Question 2

Health and Human Services

Answer 2

• Principle agency for protecting the health of all Americans.
• Including public health, biomedical research, Medicare and Medicaid, welfare, social services, and more.

Question 3

Housing and Urban development

(HUD)

Answer 3

• Established 1965 to coordinate and administer programs that provide assistance for housing and community development.
• The department assists in finding solutions to the problems of housing and urban development through state, local, or private action.
• It makes direct loans, insures mortgages, and provides housing subsidies, and it promotes and enforces equal housing opportunity.
• The secretary of the department has cabinet rank.
• Robert Clifton, the department’s first head, was also the first African-American cabinet member in U.S. history

Question 4

The Department of Energy

Answer 4

• Is charged with providing for the scientific and institutional leadership necessary to achieve efficiency in energy use and diversity in energy sources.
• The agency also seeks to implement policies leading to a more productive and competitive economy, improved environmental quality, and a secure national defense.

Question 5

US Department of Education

Answer 5

• Administers federal aid to schools.
• Conducts educational research.

Question 6

US Deptarment Veterans Affairs

Answer 6

• Administers benefits, pensions and medical programs for veterans of the Armed Forces, oversees Military cemeteries.

Question 7

US Department of Homeland Security

Answer 7

• President George W. Bush established the Office of Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Council, following the tragic events of September 11.
• The officials of Department of homeland security develop and coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to strengthen protections against terrorist threats or attacks in the United States.