What year did the federal bureaucracy begin with the three cabinet departments established by George Washington?

The foundation of the federal bureaucracy in the United States can be traced back to the establishment of the first three cabinet departments under President George Washington, which formally took place in 1789. This year is significant as it marks the formation of the executive branch following the ratification of the Constitution. Washington's administration created the Department of State, the Department of War, and the Department of the Treasury, laying the groundwork for the federal government's administrative framework.

The other years listed do not correspond to the creation of the cabinet departments. The year 1776 is primarily noted for the Declaration of Independence, while 1790 and 1801 do not represent the initial establishment of departmental structures in the executive branch. Thus, 1789 is recognized as a pivotal year in U.S. history, marking the beginning of a formalized federal bureaucracy.