This was 21 days after José Ballivián assumed office as the 9th president of Bolivia, following a coup d'état that saw him take over from the Third Velasco Cabinet.

The cabinet continued to serve until December 23, 1847, when Ballivián resigned from office, and it was subsequently dissolved.

When Ballivián assumed office, he assigned all ministerial duties to Division General José María Pérez de Urdininea, who acted as a temporary minister general until a proper cabinet was formed.

It took 21 days, longer than expected, to appoint a full council of three ministers, which finally happened on October 18, 1841.

Additionally, the responsibility for foreign affairs was transferred from the interior to the Ministry of Public Instruction.