Lets Take a Look at the Cabinet

As news is breaking daily announcing the choices for key roles in the next presidential administration, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the Cabinet.  This week, we’ll be covering the history, purpose, and makeup of the Cabinet.  Next week, we’ll follow up with the appointment process. So, what is the Cabinet?

The President’s Cabinet includes officers of the executive branch departments and is a vital and foundational element of the United States government.     Though the word “Cabinet” is not mentioned in the Constitution, it does state that the president “may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices, . . . .”

The framers of the Constitution knew that the Commander in Chief of this new nation would need to consult with advisors, and thus provided a framework in Article II, Section 2, leaving the first president to determine how to implement.

As America’s first President, George Washington was aware that this fledgling Republic faced many domestic and international challenges which he should not address alone.  Being a man of faith, perhaps Washington had reflected on the words of King Solomon: “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.” Prov. 15:22.  As an experienced leader, Washington sought to surround himself with men of varied viewpoints and perspectives, which would result in greater efficiency to reach better policies.

Washington therefore applied Article II, Section 2 by establishing the first Cabinet with Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of Treasury, Henry Knox as Secretary of War, and Edmond Randolph as Attorney General.   Washington’s cabinet gave precedent to how America’s Executive Branch would respond to national challenges and left a legacy which would be duplicated by every president since.

The Presidential Cabinet and Its Purpose

Purpose: Today's cabinet consists of 15 members who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, 16 counting the Vice President (which was not added to the Cabinet until the 20th century).  Each member is the officer of their designated department.  Their roll is to advise the President on various matters that are related to their respective offices or duties. Other Cabinet-level appointees (who do not require Senate approval), such as the president's chief of staff, may also be included in the Cabinet at each president's discretion. 

Qualifications:  A member of the presidential cabinet cannot be a member of Congress or a sitting governor, per Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution:  “….No person holding any office under the United States shall be a member of either house during his continuance in office.”  Sitting governors, U.S. senators, and members of the House of Representatives must resign before being sworn in as a member of the Cabinet. 

Vacancies created by those resignations will create a unique opportunity for voters in 2025, as most will need to be filled through special elections. (In some instances, states give authority to the governor to appoint a replacement for a federal level vacancy.)  Be sure to re-visit iVoterGuide for important data on Special Elections candidates!

Process:  The president nominates cabinet officers, who are then presented to the U.S. Senate for confirmation or rejection on a simple majority vote.  If approved, the nominee must be sworn in and begin their duties.  Since its beginning, there have only been nine Cabinet nominees rejected after a full floor vote.  Another 12 Cabinet nominations have either withdrawn during the process in the Senate or did not proceed due to Senate inaction.  There have been over 500 Cabinet nominations honored by the Senate since 1789, illustrating a high level of successful nominations.

Washington’s Legacy: President Washington’s formation of The Cabinet has proven to be a valuable asset to the Executive Branch . . . and to the nation.  Cabinet members have helped define history.  Abraham Lincoln picked secretaries who might help keep the Union together; FDR chose workers-rights advocate Frances Perkins as Secretary of Labor to help with implementation of the New Deal; and after 9/11, George W. Bush added Tom Ridge, head of newly created Department of Homeland Security, to help with the national war on terror.

Departments Which Comprise the U.S. Cabinet

Each of the Cabinet members are not only responsible for their areas of expertise but they also make up part of the line of succession to the Presidency.

The matters over which each of the department heads are responsible are described briefly below, as are the administrations and dates of their establishment. The four most important Cabinet positions (sometimes called the “inner cabinet” are in bold.   Visit our website for the full article with a listing of all 15 cabinet positions. Click here for the article.

We hear daily of the next administration's choices for Cabinet members, and understanding the purpose for the Cabinet as a whole and for each position becomes an important part of being an informed citizen.  As the appointments are confirmed and special elections are called to fill the vacancies, iVoterGuide will bring you all of the information you need to vote wisely!