Final answer:
Historically, women and minorities have not always been part of the president's cabinet. The inclusion of diverse cabinet members began in earnest with President Clinton and continued with future administrations. This shift reflects advancing civil rights and societal changes towards inclusivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
No, women and minorities have not always been a part of the president's cabinet. The cabinet was traditionally composed of white men. It was not until President Bill Clinton's administration that a concerted effort was made to appoint more women and minorities to cabinet positions. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Attorney General Janet Reno were notably among the women in Clinton's cabinet. Under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, the cabinet continued to diversify with a greater representation of minorities and women.
Earlier perceptions of white male superiority supported the exclusion of women and minorities from government roles. But as societal views evolved, the cabinet began to reflect America's diversity more accurately. President Clinton aimed for his cabinet to "look like America," and this has been a trend that future presidents have continued to various extents.
It is important to note that, historically, there has been a disparity between the demographic composition of the U.S. population and the representation of women and minorities in government, which is slowly changing over time with advancing civil rights and broader societal shifts towards inclusivity.