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The early cabinet system, which is still used in modern politics, originated from the body of advisers assembled by King Charles II in 1672. Charles II, the somewhat lax leader of England from 1660-1685, created a small body of members who acted as his representative in Parliament. Consisting of Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley-Cooper, and Lauderdale, the group became known as the Cabal and successfully smoothed relations between the Crown and Parliament. This successful body of advisers impacted the relationships between political parties, and has been applied to modern governments; the best example being the President’s cabinet in the United States.

 McKay, John P. __A History of Western Society__. 7th ed. New York City: Houghton Mifflin, 2003.