For example, most people usually want the secretary of defense to be a civilian who will represent their views on military matters. Any specialized military knowledge that is necessary for the post can be obtained from undersecretaries and assistant secretaries. The Cabinet meets regularly at the White House on days appointed by the president. Special meetings are called in emergencies. The secretary of state sits at the president's right, the secretary of the treasury at his left, and so around to the most recently created departments.
Meetings are informal.
No records are kept. Questions are seldom put to a vote because the president alone makes the final decision. Abraham Lincoln is reported to have suggested a policy to his Cabinet that every member voted against. The aye has it. After all the discussion and exchange of opinion, the president alone must make the decision, and the responsibility is always his alone.