Question

Why did Washington choose Cabinet members from various parts of the United States?

1) To prevent jealousy among the states
2) To set a good example for future presidents
3) To ensure a diverse representation in the Cabinet
4) To promote unity and cooperation among the states

Answer 1

Option (4), Washington selected Cabinet members from different regions to promote unity and cooperation among the states, establishing foundational principles for the presidency.

Step-by-step explanation:

George Washington chose Cabinet members from various parts of the United States to promote unity and cooperation among the states. This approach was part of his vision to foster a strong sense of nationhood and to establish a presidency that would rest on the principles of accountability, diligence, and speed.

Washington's actions, such as selecting Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph for key posts in his cabinet, helped lay the groundwork for a capable and representative government. The selection process has since evolved, with recent presidents, like Bill Clinton, emphasizing diversity in terms of ethnicity, gender, and geography to reflect America's population.