TDLS 2026: Incorporating Digital Literacy in an Adult Citizenship Curriculum

TDLS: Incorporating Digital Literacy in an Adult Citizenship Curriculum google slides | pdf

USCIS 128:48. What are two Cabinet-level positions?

OpenAI. (2026).  What are two Cabinet-level positions?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Cabinet is a group of leaders who help the President run the executive branch. These officials advise the President and help carry out the laws of the United States. Many Cabinet members lead large government departments, such as the Department of State and the Department of Labor.

Cabinet-level officials have important responsibilities. 

Attorney General
The Attorney General is the head of the Department of Justice. This person helps enforce federal laws and represents the United States government in legal cases. The Attorney General also advises the President about legal issues.

Secretary of Agriculture
The Secretary of Agriculture leads the Department of Agriculture. This department supports farmers, food safety, and rural communities. It also manages programs that help people get healthy food.

Secretary of Commerce
The Secretary of Commerce works to support economic growth in the United States. This department helps businesses, collects economic data, and promotes trade and technology.

Secretary of Education
The Secretary of Education leads the Department of Education. This department supports schools, students, and teachers. It manages federal education programs and student financial aid.

Secretary of Energy
The Secretary of Energy leads the Department of Energy. This department works on energy policy, energy research, and national nuclear security. It also supports new energy technology.

Secretary of Health and Human Services
The Secretary of Health and Human Services leads programs that protect public health. This department manages programs such as Medicare and medical research. It also helps respond to health emergencies.

Secretary of Homeland Security
The Secretary of Homeland Security helps protect the United States from threats. This department works on border security, disaster response, and transportation safety.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development works on housing programs and community development. This department helps people find safe and affordable housing and supports city planning.

Secretary of the Interior
The Secretary of the Interior manages many of the country’s natural resources and public lands. This department protects national parks, wildlife, and Native American lands.

Secretary of Labor
The Secretary of Labor works to protect workers. This department supports fair wages, safe workplaces, and job training programs.

Secretary of State
The Secretary of State manages foreign relations for the United States. This person works with other countries, negotiates agreements, and represents the United States around the world.

Secretary of Transportation
The Secretary of Transportation manages the nation’s transportation systems. This department works on highways, railways, airports, and safety rules for travel.

Secretary of the Treasury
The Secretary of the Treasury manages the nation’s money and financial system. This department collects taxes, pays government bills, and helps guide economic policy.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs helps provide services for military veterans. This department offers healthcare, education benefits, and support for veterans and their families.

Secretary of Defense (formerly Secretary of War)
The Secretary of Defense leads the Department of Defense. This department manages the U.S. military and helps protect the country.

Vice President
The Vice President is the second highest official in the executive branch. The Vice President helps the President and becomes President if the President can no longer serve. The Vice President also serves as the President of the Senate.

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA Administrator works to protect the environment. This agency helps keep the air and water clean and enforces environmental laws.

Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA Administrator helps support small businesses. This agency offers loans, advice, and training for small business owners.

Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
The CIA Director leads the Central Intelligence Agency. This agency collects and studies information about other countries to help protect national security.

Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
The OMB Director helps prepare the federal budget. This office also reviews government programs and helps manage federal spending.

Director of National Intelligence (DNI)
The Director of National Intelligence coordinates the work of many intelligence agencies. This person helps gather and analyze information about national security threats.

United States Trade Representative (USTR)
The United States Trade Representative manages trade policy for the country. This office negotiates trade agreements and works to support American businesses in global markets.

USCIS 128:46. The executive branch has many parts. Name one.

OpenAI. (2026).  The executive branch has many parts. Name one.    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The executive branch is one of the three branches of the United States government. Its main job is to carry out and enforce the laws of the country. The President of the United States leads the executive branch.

The executive branch has many parts that help the President do this work. One important part is the Cabinet. The Cabinet is a group of advisors who lead major government departments, such as the Department of State and the Department of Defense. They give advice to the President and help manage government programs.

The executive branch also includes many federal departments and agencies. These organizations carry out the laws and provide services for the public. For example, the United States Postal Service (Post Office) delivers mail across the country. The Social Security Administration manages retirement and disability benefits. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protects money in many bank accounts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works to protect the air, water, and land.

All of these departments and agencies work together under the leadership of the President to serve the people of the United States.

USCIS 128:45. Who appoints federal judges?

OpenAI. (2026).  Who appoints federal judges?    [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

In the United States, the President appoints federal judges. Federal judges work in federal courts, including district courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court. These judges help interpret the law and decide important legal cases.

When there is an open position on a federal court, the President chooses a person to fill the job. This person is called a nominee. However, the appointment is not complete right away. The United States Senate must review the nominee and vote to approve the appointment.

If the Senate approves the nominee, the person becomes a federal judge. Federal judges usually serve for life or until they decide to retire. This system helps make sure that judges can make decisions based on the law and the Constitution. 

USCIS 128:44. Who vetoes bills?

OpenAI. (2026).   Who vetoes bills?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

In the United States, laws begin as bills. Members of Congress write and discuss these bills. A bill must pass in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. After both parts of Congress approve the bill, it is sent to the President.

The President signs bills to become laws. When the President agrees with a bill, the President signs it. After the President signs the bill, it officially becomes a law that people must follow. This is one way the President takes part in the lawmaking process.

The President can also veto bills. A veto means the President refuses to sign the bill. When the President vetoes a bill, it is returned to Congress with the President’s reasons for rejecting it.

However, Congress can sometimes override a presidential veto. If two-thirds of the members in the House of Representatives and the Senate vote to pass the bill again, the bill becomes a law even without the President’s signature. This process helps create a balance of power between Congress and the President.

USCIS 128:43. Who signs bills to become laws?

OpenAI. (2026).   Who signs bills to become laws?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

In the United States, laws begin as bills. A bill is an idea for a new law or a change to a law. Members of Congress write and discuss the bill. The bill must pass in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. If both chambers approve it, the bill is sent to the President.

The President signs bills to become laws. When the President signs a bill, it officially becomes a law and must be followed across the country. This is one of the President’s important powers. It shows that the executive branch takes part in the lawmaking process.

If the President does not agree with a bill, the President can veto it. A veto means the President refuses to sign the bill. Congress can try to override the veto with enough votes. This system helps balance power between Congress and the President.

USCIS 128:42. Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?

OpenAI. (2026).  Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief of the U.S. military. This means the President is the highest leader of the armed forces. The armed forces include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

As Commander in Chief, the President makes important decisions about national defense and military operations. The President can give orders to military leaders and help decide how the country responds to threats. However, Congress has the power to declare war. This system helps balance power between the branches of government.

USCIS 128:41. Name one power of the president.

OpenAI. (2026).  Name one power of the president.   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The President of the United States has many important powers in the federal government. One power is to sign bills into law. When Congress passes a bill, it goes to the President. If the President agrees with the bill, they sign it, and it becomes a law. 

The President can also veto a bill. A veto means the President does not approve the bill and sends it back to Congress.

The President also enforces the laws. This means the President makes sure the laws are followed and carried out. The executive branch, which the President leads, helps put laws into action. Federal agencies and departments work under the President to carry out these laws.

Another important power is being the Commander in Chief of the military. This means the President is the top leader of the armed forces. The President can make decisions about military operations and national defense. 

The President also serves as the chief diplomat. This means the President meets with leaders from other countries, makes agreements, and represents the United States around the world.

In addition, the President appoints federal judges. This includes judges for federal courts and the Supreme Court. These judges interpret the laws and decide important legal cases. All of these powers show that the President plays a key role in leading the country and working with the other branches of government.

USCIS 128:40. If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?

OpenAI. (2026).  If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

During the naturalization interview, the officer may ask, “If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?” This question checks if you understand how the government continues to work if there is a problem.

If the President dies, resigns, or cannot do the job, the Vice President becomes President. This rule helps keep the government stable and organized. There is always someone ready to lead the country.

This process is part of the U.S. system of government. It makes sure there is no gap in leadership and that the country continues to function smoothly.