Final answer:
Presidents consider factors such as political loyalty, relevant experience, and expertise when appointing executive department heads. They also strive to create a cabinet that is demographically representative of the U.S. population.
Step-by-step explanation:
When appointing executive department heads, presidents consider a variety of factors. These include political loyalty and ideological similarity, relevant experience, expertise, influence, reputation, and political and demographic representation. Presidents also aim to achieve a cabinet that is capable as well as descriptively representative, meaning that it reflects the diversity of the U.S. population.