APUSH Ch 10 American Pageant Analyze the make up and functions of the Washington cabinet. (and why he was the best (only choice for the first president) A.-Washington established a group of advisers as his cabinet. These were men who could help develop the government. -Thomas Jefferson was Secretary of State -Alexander Hamilton was Secretary of Treasury -Secretary of War was Henry Knox B. He was the war hero and he was very respected. Understand the Fiscal policy of Alexander Hamilton and what his expectations were (also how does it cause a rift between the political ideologies of the time)