All tenured positions commissioned by the president are published, including all officers of the United States, their immediate subordinates, policy executives and advisors, and aides who report to these officials.

The Plum Book originated in 1952 during the Eisenhower administration to identify presidentially appointed positions within the federal government.

[3] Plum Books are considered an important resource for presidents-elect of the United States during their presidential transitions, aiding them in identifying federal government positions to which they can name appointees.

Many of these positions must be filled by the incoming president every four years while others are career appointments that outlast presidential administrations.

These positions are published in the Plum Book, a new edition of which is released after each United States presidential election.