The document discusses the composition and role of the U.S. Cabinet. It notes that Obama's cabinet was diverse in terms of geography, ethnicity, and ideology. It also emphasizes that cabinet members are chosen for their expertise and professional backgrounds. While the cabinet serves as an advisory body, the president can choose whether and how much to consider its advice.

1. U.S. CABINET

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