Which of the following best describes how the major cabinet departments of the federal government were created?

A) Through congressional legislation
B) When the Constitution was initially ratified
C) By constitutional amendments
D) By executive order
E) Through congressional legislation and by constitutional amendments

The major cabinet departments of the federal government were created through congressional legislation. Congress has the power to create executive agencies and departments, as outlined in the Constitution's necessary and proper clause. The first four cabinet departments (State, Treasury, War, and Attorney General) were created by Congress in 1789. Subsequent departments were created through various acts of Congress throughout history.