The establishment of the president’s cabinet as part of the United States government was the result of a (1) law passed by Congress (2) constitutional amendment (3) precedent started by George Washington (4) ruling of the United States Supreme Court

(3) precedent started by George Washington

When George Washington took office as the first President of the United States, he recognized the need for a group of close advisors. Although the U.S. Constitution did not explicitly establish a cabinet, it did allow the President to require opinions of the heads of the executive departments. Washington set the precedent by meeting regularly with the heads of the departments of State, Treasury, War, and the Attorney General, who functioned as his de facto cabinet. This practice set the standard for future presidents, solidifying the cabinet as an integral part of the United States government.

Extra: The U.S. Constitution, in Article II, Section 2, gives the President the authority to request opinions from the principal officers in each of the federal executive departments. However, it does not mandate how the President should consult with or organize these officers. The term "cabinet" itself isn't mentioned in the Constitution. Through George Washington's actions and the evolving practices of successive administrations, the President's Cabinet became an established custom. Today, the Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments, all of whom serve as the President's primary advisors and administrators of the government's vast agencies. Each cabinet-level department focuses on a specific area, such as defense, education, or labor. The Cabinet's role in the U.S. government is an excellent illustration of how customs and precedents can evolve into significant political institutions over time.