A Guide to Understanding Executive Branch Appointments

A Comprehensive Overview

The Presidential Appointee Tracker is a valuable resource for understanding the current state of presidential appointments in the United States. It is maintained by The Washington Post and the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to good governance.

# Scope of the Tracker

The tracker includes all full-time, civilian positions in the executive branch that require Senate confirmation, except for judges, marshals, and U.S. attorneys. Military appointments and part-time positions requiring Senate confirmation are not included.

# Current Status of Appointments

The tracker provides information on the status of each position, including whether it is filled, vacant, or held by an acting official. It also includes information on the nominee for each vacant position, if one has been nominated.

# Nomination Process

The tracker explains the nomination process, from the president's nomination to the Senate's confirmation vote. It also includes information on the role of committees in the process and the rules governing Senate votes.

# Data Sources

The tracker relies on a variety of sources for its information, including Congress.gov, the official website for U.S. federal legislative information, and the "United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions," known as the Plum Book. The tracker also uses publicly available sources such as news stories and government websites to track resignations and informal appointee announcements.

# Accuracy and Completeness

The tracker strives to be as accurate and complete as possible. However, it is possible that some information may be missing, especially for lower-profile positions. If you believe that something is missing, you can contact the tracker team at tracker@ourpublicservice.org.

# Research and Development

The tracker is the result of the work of a dedicated team of researchers, developers, and editors. The team is committed to providing the public with accurate and up-to-date information on presidential appointments.