Constitutional FAQ Answer #128

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Q128. “Does the Constitution set any requirements
for potential cabinet members, such as age or residency?”

A. A scan of the Constitution itself reveals that there is nothing therein
that addresses the qualifications for members of the President’s Cabinet. The
only real requirements are that the President nominates a person to be a
department secretary and the Senate must then confirm the appointment. Other
members of the Cabinet need not even go through the confirmation process. The
National Security Advisor, for example, is appointed by the President without
any confirmation process. Cabinet members, whether a confirmation is required
or not, have no constitutional qualifications. They can be young, old, male,
female, of any race or religion, and of any national origin. Several people
not born in the U.S. have served in the Cabinet, including Henry Kissinger and
Madeleine Albright.

Last Modified: 16 Aug 2010

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