The cabinet screen turns government competence into a campaign resource. A candidate with some financial-management value has other traits that make him a poor Treasury choice, so he goes to the Americas instead. The historical comparison is that Britain usually found effective, if socially dull, financial administrators. Ministerial fit matters to state capacity because armies, navies, and colonial policy all depend on competent administration.
Notable Point · 1:18:18-1:20:09
Matching ministers to Treasury and colonial portfolios
Cabinet appointments turn administrative competence into a scarce campaign resource, especially when the Treasury lacks a suitable minister.