Washington's Cabinet

The President's Cabinet consists of the President's closest advisors on topics ranging from National Defense to Veteran's Affairs. Appointed by the President and approved by the Senate, Cabinet officials work closely with the President on either domestic or foreign policy. Today there are 15 official Cabinet positions in our government, in 1792 there were 5.

According to Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution the President has the authority to appoint advisors and consul. Believing that by surrounding himself with capable and intelligent advisors the American people would be confident that the nation was in good hands, President Washington decided to appoint five qualified individuals to work with him.

Secretary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton from New York.

Role: Principal economic advisor to the President on issues such as taxes and managing the public debt.

Qualifications: Hamilton had served as Washington's aide-de-camp during the American Revolution. Following the war, he was a member of the Constitutional Convention, lawyer, and founder of the Bank of New York.

Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson from Virginia

Role: Highest ranking official in the Cabinet. Is the main advisor to the President on foreign policy issues and oversees American diplomats abroad.

Qualifications: Thomas Jefferson had served as the American ambassador to France for a number of years. A former governor of Virginia his time serving in the Continental Congress and his reputation as a statesman were well known.

Secretary of War, Henry Knox from Massachusetts

Role: Responsible for arming, supplying, and financial supporting the United States Army as well as the creation of coastal fortifications.

Qualifications: Henry Knox had served as the Artillery Commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. A close friend of Washington, Knox was one of the most trusted commanders during the American Revolution.

Postmaster General, Samuel Osgood from Massachusetts/New York

Role: Overseeing the U.S. Postal Service.

Qualifications: Osgood served as an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. A highly organized businessman and politician, Osgood's home in New York City became Washington's executive mansion.

Attorney General, Edmund Randolph from Virginia.

Role: "Prosecute and conduct all suits in the Supreme Court." The Attorney General acts as the head lawyer for the United States and is in charge of the Department of Justice.

Qualifications: A former member of the Constitutional Convention, Osgood was a well established lawyer in Virginia whose clients included George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.