Advisors to the president, nominated by him and confirmed by the Senate, and executives for federal agencies. Although not strictly established in the Constitution, some Cabinet positions, including Secretary of State, Attorney-General, Secretary of Treasury Secretary of War (later consolidated into Secretary of Defense), have existed since the George Washington administration. Others have been added subsequently to deal with issues of the interior, agriculture, commerce, labor, health and human services, housing and urban development, transportation, energy education and veterans affairs.

One original post, Postmaster-General, has been downgraded.

These officers may succeed to the presidency in order of seniority of their office, beginning with the Secretary of State, if they meet qualifications of age and birth. In addition, other officials hold Cabinet-level rank, recognizing their importance as presidential advisors. In the Clinton administration, these include the CIA Director, EPA Administrator, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Director of the Office of National drug Control Policy Ambassador to the United Nations and US Trade Representative.

Cabinet members tend to reflect their party and president: such positions may recognize excellence and add diversity to a white male executive structure, but also may reward political cronyism. Cabinet members have also become political targets, being investigated with increasing frequency over issues of influence peddling and political operations (allegations which have also proved true in some cases). Since the Nixon era, confirmation debates in Congress have also grown acrimonious as nominees have become lightning rods for many political issues beyond their qualifications. In general, they lack the power to oppose the president or survive changes in regime, unlike many European ministers. Some, like Elizabeth Dole and Dick Cheney, have sought higher office later.