“Team of Rivals”: Lincoln’s Cabinet

Lincoln didn't govern the United States on his own. His presidential cabinet was extremely influential in helping him make major political decisions, and were people Lincoln chose to surround himself with. By identifying the role and action of each of the members of Lincoln's cabinet, students will be able to understand their influence within the government. Students will also gain a better understanding of what positions make up the executive cabinet.

Students will use a traditional storyboard in this activity to analyze six major figures. Teachers may pre-select cabinet members they want their students to further analyze and explain or have students select their own.

Major figures include:

• William H. Seward
• Edwin M. Stanton
• Salmon P. Chase
• Andrew Johnson
• Gideon Welles
• Edward Bates

Extended Activity

Have students expand on one specific figure of Lincoln’s cabinet using a spider map. Students should detail their role, actions, rise to their position, and what major contributions they had to Lincoln’s presidency. This will promote deeper understanding of both the figure, and their contribution to Lincoln’s performance as president.