Thomas Jefferson, a boss who communicates well

On this day, November 6, in 1801, I set up a strict new rule for my cabinet secretaries. I ordered them to bundle all of their daily letters and proposed answers into a packet for me to review before anything was mailed out. I copied this system directly from George Washington to make sure the president stays at the center of the government and keeps everyone working toward the same goals.

This rule fixes the major mistakes of John Adams' presidency. Adams spent too much time away from the capital, which allowed his cabinet to split into separate groups that worked against each other. While checking the mail delays letters by a day, having the president's official approval is worth the wait. I told my secretaries that this is not about a lack of trust, but about doing my duty for the American people.

Because the Constitution did not explain how the cabinet should work, this choice set a massive precedent. By making my department heads clear everything through me, I created the framework that modern presidents still use today. This letter established the idea that the cabinet answers directly to one leader, ensuring the entire executive branch speaks with a single voice.