(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)
Jennifer Selin, Arizona State University
(THE CONVERSATION) Since Election Day, President-elect Donald Trump has moved quickly to name his picks for key cabinet posts such as attorney general and the secretaries of defense, health and human services, and state.
Reaction to these nominees ranges from excitementto shock, but one thing is clear: Trump seeks a cabinet filled with staunch allies, even if those allies have little experience in government.
The Constitution requires the Senate to confirm each of these nominations.
History shows that, even when the Senate majority and the president are from the same party, the nomination process does not always go according to presidential plan.
The spoils system
When contemplating appointments, the Framers of the Constitution largely focused on the potential for abuse of...
