Presidential Biographies | Garfield Administration - Garfield's Advisers

Garfield's Advisers

Garfield chose his cabinet with the intent of having all factions of the Republican Party represented. He also chose independents from the Midwest and the South. Garfield hoped to create a cabinet of advisers that would help him make decisions that would be acceptable to a cross section of U.S. political interests. Garfield also felt a cabinet with varied perspectives could help create compromise solutions to divisive issues that might arise. Garfield grew friendly with Secretary of State James G. Blaine but did not have enough time to build strong relationships with his cabinet or test their ability to work as a cohesive team.