President's Cabinet and Succession Practice Test

The position in the Cabinet responsible for national defense is the Secretary of Defense. This role is critical as the Secretary oversees the Department of Defense, which includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other defense entities. The Secretary is tasked with formulating military policies, coordinating defense planning with various government agencies, and ensuring the readiness of the nation’s military forces. Additionally, the Secretary serves as the principal defense policy advisor to the President, playing a vital role in strategic decisions related to national security.

The other positions, while significant in their own domains, do not specifically focus on national defense in the same capacity. The Secretary of State primarily handles foreign affairs and diplomatic relations with other countries, while the Secretary of Homeland Security focuses on protecting the United States from domestic threats and disasters. The Attorney General serves as the head of the Department of Justice, addressing legal affairs and federal law enforcement, which includes aspects of national security but is not primarily centered on defense. Thus, the Secretary of Defense is the correct answer as it is this position that directly manages and strategizes issues related to national defense.