Max Deveson of the BBC’s Analysis and Research unit explains what happened to the men and women who came to power with President Bush in January 2001.

The appointment of the staunchly religious, anti-abortion John Ashcroft as attorney general, in charge of the Department of Justice, was an early sign that the Bush White House would be keen to reward the religious right for its electoral support.

Ashcroft was widely disliked by liberals for his package of security measures after 9/11, perceived as an attack on civil liberties.

However, this opposition turned to grudging admiration when it later emerged that Mr Ashcroft - whilst ill in hospital in 2004 - had rejected a White House request to authorise a scheme to allow the warrantless wire-tapping of US citizens.

After his departure in 2005, Mr Ashcroft set up a lobbying company advising clients involved in the homeland security industry.

Although he was one of the longest-serving chiefs of staff in over 40 years, Andrew Card was never a particularly high-profile member of the president’s team.

Mr Bush valued him for his loyalty and dedication. His wife is said to have asked once: “Are you married to me or George W Bush?”

Mr Card resigned in March 2006, a move reportedly prompted by concern that the Iraq War would be perceived as another Vietnam. He now sits on the board of directors at Union Pacific Railroad.
When Mr Bush chose Mr Cheney as his running mate in 2000 the decision was seen as an attempt to reassure voters that the young Bush would be able to draw on Mr Cheney’s wisdom and experience.

A long-standing political operator, Mr Cheney had served in Congress and in the administrations of a number of former presidents.

After the election, Mr Cheney used his knowledge of the mechanics of government to become one of the most powerful vice-presidents in US history, seen by some as the “power behind the throne”.

With the president’s approval, Mr Cheney has had a great deal of influence over a number of policy areas, in particular energy and foreign affairs.

He has also developed a reputation for secrecy, refusing to allow congressional oversight of some of his activities.

Health-permitting, he will remain in office until the end of the administration’s second term.

Mr Rove managed Mr Bush’s two successful Texas gubernatorial campaigns in the 1990s as well as the 2000 presidential campaign.

He has been described variously as “Bush’s Brain”, “evil Rasputin” and - by the president himself - “Turd Blossom”, a reference to a Texan flower which blooms on manure.

His success in producing Republican electoral victories and the often cunning, partisan way in which the victories have been achieved has made him unpopular with the president’s political opponents.

His resignation came amid calls for him to testify in the Senate about his role in the sacking of a number of US attorneys and the launch of a probe into political briefings to government officials by him and his team.

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