04-Team of Rivals

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Cicero2009

Similarities

There were many similarities between the strategies followed by Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama re

officials of their administrations. In both cases, they chose their main rival for their partys presidential nominatiThey both chose Cabinet members with more of an emphasis on their abilities than on strict party affiliations. Li

factions within the Republican Party. Obama, a Democrat, included two Republicans among his choices.

It should be remembered that though this approach to selecting a Cabinet can work well, it has its risks. Copinions and agendas from the president and from each other can be very counterproductive and make it difficul

takes a strong, wise and decisive president to keep these diverse interests focused on a coherent policy.

Lincolns Cabinet Obamas


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Connections

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Name: _________________________

Team of Rivals: Unusual Presidential Cabinets

Discussion Questions:

1. Lincoln and Obama chose a different way to select their Cabinet officials than mostpresidents have. What did they do that was different?

2. What are the advantages of selecting a Cabinet this way?

3. What are the possible risks of picking a Cabinet this way, especially when the country is incrisis, like it was when Lincoln and Obama each took office?

4. How was the selection of William H. Seward by Lincoln for Secretary of State similar to the

selection of Hillary Rodham Clinton by Barack Obama for Secretary of State?

Open-Ended Question

Which would you say is the most effective way for a president to select a Cabinet, choosing a

Team of Rivals or choosing from a pool of political supporters within your own party? Why

do you think so?


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Answer Key

Team of Rivals: Unusual Presidential Cabinets

Discussion Questions:

1. Lincoln and Obama chose a different way to select their Cabinet officials than mostpresidents have. What did they do that was different?

They selected people who were very competent, even if they were political rivals or

members of the opposition party. They felt that their ability and the diversity of their

viewpoints would help the president keep an open mind on how to solve national

problems.

2. What are the advantages of selecting a Cabinet this way?It keeps the president from becoming too set in his ways. It also allows the president toselect the best candidates for the positions without limiting them only to members of one

faction or party. The level of discussion among the more diverse group of advisers should

lead to more creative solutions rather than limiting the Cabinet to people who have the

same point of view.

3. What are the possible risks of picking a Cabinet this way, especially when the country isin crisis, like it was when Lincoln and Obama each took office?

If the president is not a strong leader and manager, the conflicting views and political

maneuvering by rival factions within the Cabinet could result in indecision andineffective action from the executive branch.

4. How was the selection of William H. Seward by Lincoln for Secretary of State similar tothe selection of Hillary Rodham Clinton by Barack Obama for Secretary of State?

In both cases, the person selected for the office of Secretary of State had been the

President-elects strongest rival for their partys nomination for president.

Open-Ended Question

Which would you say is the most effective way for a president to select a Cabinet, choosing aTeam of Rivals or choosing from a pool of political supporters within your own party? Why

do you think so?

Answers will vary.

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04-Team of Rivals