In the United States, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce are executive branch departments responsible for overseeing specific aspects of government policy related to agriculture, commerce, trade, and economic development. The heads of these departments, namely the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Commerce, are not elected positions but are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. However, the President's nomination of individuals for these positions can undergo a confirmation process by the Senate, which involves a hearing and a vote.