2. Diversity COMPOSITION
Geographically – from
different regions
Socially – 7 out of 15
of Obama’s cabinet
from ethnic minority
backgrounds
Clinton wanted Expertise and Separation of
cabinet that ‘looks like Professional Powers
America’ background Cannot be a
Ideologically – Geithner is Treasury serving
Obama kept Robert Secretary – was member of
Gates on as Defence previously President Congress
Sec, and appointed of the Federal 3 ex members
former Republican Reserve Bank of are currently in
governor Ray LaHood New York Obama’s
as Transport Sec. cabinet
3. ROLE AND IMPORTANCE
Advisory body only –
single executive
Camaraderie
Presidents vary in their Unlike
use of cabinet
No designated functions
UK, No
President may choose CMR
to ignore it
EXOP more important?
They are loyalists
4. SYNOPTIC LINKS
Shadow Cabinet
Recruited from Parliament
Free hand when choosing?
Political Rivals
Generalists
PM must carry cabinet
‘Cabinet govt’
Bilaterals
Plural executive
