Presidents and the American Presidency

Presidents and the American Presidency, Third Edition, engages students in the study of the presidency through an exploration of both the political institution and those who have held the office. Considering both the strengths and the weaknesses of the office, authors Lori Cox Han and Diane J. Heith move beyond purely theoretical analysis to examine the real-life, day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of the presidency. They incorporate archival documents from multiple administrations, offer extensive coverage of methodology, and integrate both institutional and president-centered approaches. Now available in an enhanced ebook format, the text incorporates chapter Learning Objectives, section reviews, videos and web activities, within the narrative offering a digitally enhanced learning experience.

Lori Cox Han is Professor of Political Science and Doy B. Henley Endowed Chair in American Presidential Studies. Her research and teaching expertise include the presidency, women and politics, media and politics, and political leadership.

Diane J. Heith is Professor of Government and Politics. She is the author of several works on the presidency, public opinion, campaigns and elections, and the media.

Chapter 1. Introduction: Studying Presidents and the Presidency
Historical Context
Theories and Methodologies
Sources for Researching the Presidency
Conclusion

Chapter 2. Presidents and the Constitution
The Framers' Plan and the Constitutional Convention
Powers of the Office
Expansion of Presidential Powers
Conclusion

Chapter 3. The Presidential Selection Process
The Nominating Process in Historical Perspective
The Pre-Nomination Period
Primaries and Caucuses
Financing Presidential Campaigns
National Party Conventions
The General Election
The Consequences of Winning
Conclusion

Chapter 4. The Public Presidency: Communication and Mass Media
The Evolving Rhetorical Presidency
Presidential Communication: Strategies and Resources
The President and the Press
Conclusion

Chapter 5. The Public Presidency: Public Opinion
The Evolving View of the Public
Evaluating the President
Popularity as a Source of Presidential Power
Presidential Polling as a Source of Power
Other Ways to Gather Opinion
Conclusion

Chapter 6. Presidents and the Legislative Branch
The President's Formal Role in the Legislative Process
Creating the Chief Legislator
Achieving Legislative Success
The Challenges of Sharing Powers
Conclusion

Chapter 7. Presidents and the Judicial Branch
Nominations to the U.S. Supreme Court
Nominations to Lower Federal Courts
The President's Relationship with the Judicial Branch
Conclusion

Chapter 8. Presidents and the Executive Branch
The Job of the Chief Executive
The Executive Office of the President
Presidential Control of the Bureaucracy
Vice Presidents
First Ladies
Conclusion

Chapter 9. Presidents and Domestic/Economic Policy
The Political Environment
Domestic and Economic Policymaking
Actors in the Policymaking Process
Economic Policy
Domestic Policy
Health Care: A Case Study
Conclusion

Chapter 10. Presidents and Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy Defined
Presidents and Foreign Policymaking
The Evolution of U.S. Foreign Policy
Implementing the Foreign-Policy Agenda
Conclusion

Appendix A. Conducting Research at Presidential Libraries
Appendix B. Presidential Election Results, 1789-2020
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Credites
Index