Chief of Staff

Written by Jonathan Milner

Definition

The head of the White House staff and one of the president's most powerful advisers. The chief of staff is often called the "gatekeeper" because they control who and what reaches the president. The job does not require Senate confirmation.

Example

Chiefs of staff decide which advisers get meetings with the president and help manage the president's daily schedule and priorities.

 

Questions

  1. Define chief of staff.

  2. Explain why the chief of staff is called the "gatekeeper."

  3. Describe how a chief of staff can shape the president's decisions.

  4. Explain why the chief of staff does not need Senate confirmation.

  5. Explain one risk of a chief of staff having too much control.

  6. Identify the office the chief of staff runs.

  7. Describe the difference between the chief of staff and a cabinet secretary.

  8. Would you want a chief of staff who agrees with you or one who challenges you? Explain.

  9. What emoji would do a good job of expressing the concept chief of staff?

  10. Translate chief of staff into plain English.

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw a chief of staff! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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