Presidential Cabinet

Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution stipulates 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.” Since the ratification of the Constitution at the end of the 18th century, as the nation has grown in size and the issues facing it have become more complex, the presidents have come to rely heavily on the “principal Officer[s]” who comprise the Presidential Cabinet. The members of the Cabinet are heads of different organizations and departments within the federal government, appointed by the president, who provide a unique approach to the innumerable, multifaceted issues with which he is confronted on a daily basis. Cabinet members consider both practical consequences (e.g. “How could this law be implemented?”) and ideological preferences (e.g. “How can we turn the president’s agenda into policy?”). They may also advise the president with an aim to avoid problems or present solutions to troubling matters.

Another important role of cabinet members is their relationship with the Congress and the public. Assumed to be experts in their field, Cabinet members are often called to testify in congressional hearings, meet with the press, and interact with citizens across the nation. While in private they may raise concerns with presidential decisions, in public they are some of the president’s most vocal advocates (after all, he did appoint them).

At HMCE, you will be given the opportunity to experience the exciting work of a Cabinet-level official. You will participate in debates about the merits of different policies, consider legislation that is to come before Congress, testify before congressional committees and international summits, and present policy recommendations to the president. You will also face the challenge of promoting your specific view and that of your department while all of your peers will be attempting to do the same—but for their departments and with their bureaucratic biases. However, at the end of the day, you will feel a sense of accomplishment as you put together recommendations that will help the United States government move forward and best serve US citizens.

2009 Staff and Topics

Note: The Presidential Cabinet does not discuss pre-assigned topics like many program committees; rather, it coordinates with the president and his staff to convey the administration's views to other committees and governmental organizations.