How did the title of “Secretary” become associated with the head of Cabinet offices?
Answer Surprisingly, there is very little information about this. We have inquired with the Library of Congress, the National Archives and the Office of Protocol at the Department of State, none of which could provide any documentary evidence. However, our research did indicate that the term “Secretary,” as in Secretary of the Treasury, was used along with those of President, Vice President, and Treasurer, apparently in an effort for the new nation to avoid the appearance of being a monarchy as in Great Britain. It is interesting to note, also, that corporations have adopted the same structure, having a President, Vice President(s), a Secretary, and a Treasurer as the primary officers.
Surprisingly, there is very little information about this. We have inquired with the Library of Congress, the National Archives and the Office of Protocol at the Department of State, none of which could provide any documentary evidence. However, our research did indicate that the term “Secretary,” as in Secretary of the Treasury, was used along with those of President, Vice President, and Treasurer, apparently in an effort for the new nation to avoid the appearance of being a monarchy as in Great Britain. It is interesting to note, also, that corporations have adopted the same structure, having a President, Vice President(s), a Secretary, and a Treasurer as the primary officers.
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