Texas History
Fort Burrows
Cabinet Job Descriptions
You are now the official cabinet members of Andrew Johnson! Remember you are experts in your respective fields so it is important that you are thorough in your jobs! Since you represent the executive branch, it is very important that all cabinet members coordinate well with one other while planning your Reconstruction Plan. Will you implement a federal agency like the Freedman’s Bureau to assist you?
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE: He/she leads the Department of Agriculture which focuses on the safety and regulation of food production and works with farmers throughout the country.
How will we rebuild the South’s agricultural economy? How will you assist southern states in repairing farms following General Sherman’s destructive campaign? How will your policies help farmers? What types of crops should the United States focus on producing? You will work closely with the Secretary of Labor with a plan to replace slavery (sharecropping/tenant farming).
SECRETARY OF LABOR: He/she supervises the Department of Labor which assists and protects the working people of the nation. This department will come up with a plan for southern farms and northern factories to start working cooperatively again. You will also devise a plan for the freedmen to get them working. How will we protect all working citizens of the United States? You will work closely with the Secretary of Agriculture.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: He/she leads the Defense Department which sees that the nation is protected against its enemies and which works closely with all branches of the armed forces.
How will you deal with state’s that have not rejoined the Union yet? What will your policies be with former confederate soldiers and them serving in the United States Army? Will you play a role in ensuring rights/safety of freedmen (13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments). Will you intervene with the KKK?
ATTORNEY GENERAL: This person is the President's main legal advisor in matters pertaining to the country. He/she sees that the laws are enforced and that the people receive justice. This person may appoint special investigation teams. He/she runs the Justice Department. You will help create criteria (set of requirements) for states to be admitted back into the Union. You will assist with the requirements of the former Confederate States must follow to rejoin the Union. You will play a role in ensuring implementation of 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. Will you address the KKK?
SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT: This person’s job is to increase homeownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination. How will you assist freedmen with housing? How will you create a nse of community in the South? How will you try to address racism and the KKK?