In the United States, members of the cabinet arguably possess more power and influence than any other government official after the President. Yet, the Constitution does not describe their positions or their relationship to the president. Indeed, the legal origins, customs, and practices leading to the creation of the President’s cabinet remain obscure. “The First Presidential Cabinet: Military, State, and British Origins,” analyzes three origins that led to the formation of the cabinet: Washington's leadership practices as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War; the cabinets established at the state level during the colonial and Articles of Confederation eras (1700-1789); and the role of the British cabinet in shaping American political culture and institutions. This work also demonstrates how Washington created lasting precedent that continues to shape the executive branch today. In the spring of 1793, the outbreak of war between France and Britain forced Washington to call regular cabinet meetings for the first time to respond to the international crisis. As Washington integrated the cabinet into regular executive practice, he drew on the military, state, and British origins. As Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, Washington regularly held councils of war to discuss strategy with his officers. Washington frequently submitted questions for consideration during these meetings and requested written opinions in the event the officers disagreed. As President, Washington also sent questions to the department secretaries in advance and often requested additional written opinions. Washington and his secretaries also had extensive experience with the councils in the state governments. They objected to the limitations councils placed on executive action and they worked to create a strong, independent executive that avoided the weaknesses of the state governors. Finally, the American public viewed the British cabinet as the source of corruption in the British government. Washington and his secretaries worked to avoid comparisons to the British model and maintain the appearance of republican virtue in the American cabinet.