The executive branch
political appointee
Someone chosen by the President to run or advise an agency, serving at the President's pleasure. Roughly 4,000 positions, about 1,200 requiring Senate confirmation.
In full
The top layer of every agency turns over with the administration. PAS positions (presidential appointment with Senate confirmation) cover secretaries, deputy and assistant secretaries, ambassadors, and U.S. attorneys. Below them sit non-confirmed appointees and Schedule C aides. The Plum Book, published after each presidential election, lists every one of these positions.
Also written as: PAS position, Schedule C
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.