Alberto Gonzales, the nation's first Hispanic U.S. Attorney General, as he announces his resignation. (Photo: Charles Dharapak/AP Images)

President George W. Bush has a very important Cabinet position to fill now that the nation's top law enforcement officer has resigned.

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales's last official day on the job is September 17. He stepped down amid criticism from many U.S. Senators about the way in which he handled the firing of nine U.S. attorneys.

Many of the Senators upset with Gonzales believed that the nine people were fired for political reasons, not because of the way in which they did their jobs. Senators also questioned whether Gonzales told them the truth when he answered questions about the firings during congressional hearings.

Gonzales always said that he had done nothing wrong. However, the criticism made it difficult for him to do his job effectively.

Gonzales was the first Hispanic person to be U.S. Attorney General and lead the U.S. Justice Department.

The Justice Department is part of the executive branch of the U.S. government. It is one of 15 government departments. Its leader, the Attorney General, is in the President's Cabinet of key advisers.

The Attorney General is appointed by the President and must be confirmed, or approved, by the U.S. Senate. The Justice Department enforces federal laws and works to make sure that all Americans are treated fairly under the law. The department also investigates Presidents if they are suspected of breaking the law.

After Gonzales announced his resignation, Paul Clement was named interim, or acting, Attorney General. Clement was the U.S. Solicitor General. Solicitors General argue a President's position in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. The big question is: Who will be Gonzales's permanent replacement?