The Progression of the American Presidency

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xii

   PDF

2. Introduction and Background

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

      PDF

   2. Introduction

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 3-12

   3. The Historical Context: How We View the Presidency

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 13-21

3. Presidential Candidate Selection

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 23-23

      PDF

   2. Introduction: The Process in General

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 25-32

   3. The System Changes Forever

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 33-44

   4. Campaign Finance

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 45-51

   5. The National Nominating Conventions: Are They Worth It and What’s Next?

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 53-65

   6. The General Election: So You’ve Got the Nomination, Now What?

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 67-80

4. The Individual Presidency

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 81-81

      PDF

   2. You’ve Been Elected, Why Is This Guy Asking How You Feel All the Time? The Vice President and Succession

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 83-90

   3. Presidential Character: Everybody Has One

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 91-104

   4. The Presidential Advisory System: For Good or Ill, There Really Is One

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 105-113

5. The Presidency in Isolation

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 115-115

      PDF

   2. The President and the Bureaucracy

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 117-123

   3. Presidential Decision Making

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 125-136

6. The Presidency Interacting

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 137-137

      PDF

   2. The President and the Media

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 139-146

   3. Presidential Popularity: How Do I Approve of Thee? Let Gallup Count the Ways

      • Jim Twombly

      Pages 147-152

The contemporary presidency, and the nation it governs, is more dependent on the individual in office than ever before. The Progression of the American Presidency examines in detail the institution of the American presidency from the selection process, to the president's individual responsibilities, to his interactions with other actors in the political arena. Twombly argues that regardless of how well suited a particular individual may be for a specific time in office, he or she will leave an indelible imprint on the office for those who follow. Each successful president changed the institution in which he served by expanding its scope and power and raising the bar of public (and historical) expectations. Both scholarly and conversational, The Progression of the American Presidency is essential reading for anyone interested in the evolving state of the Oval Office.

• decision-making
• Empire
• Policy

"Jim Twombly has written a comprehensive text on the presidency that can assist any professor seeking a book that undergraduates will find accessible and informative. Twombly presents the presidency through the development of the institution and the contribution of the individuals who have occupied the office. Extensive details on the foundation of the office, elections, and governance are complemented with a unique focus on the role of the capacity and character of the person who holds the office. Twombly's extensive use of historical examples assists the review of political science research in each of the major topics covered. Through these examples, he offers an undergraduate reader a window into the men who made the office and the decisions (good and bad) they make that affect us all." - Barbara Headrick, Professor of Political Science, Minnesota State University, Moorhead, USA

"Twombly's book offers a cogent, well-written overview of the American presidency that is highly suitable for undergraduate/graduate courses or for anyone seeking a readable, comprehensive review of the executive office. In clear and direct prose, Twombly surveys the evolution of the executive branch, uniting specific historical and contemporary illustrations with the broader, relevant political science research. The book provides a solid, comprehensive overview of the presidency with a specific focus on the evolution of the office, and the transformation of the modern American president." - Lisa Parshall, Associate Professor of Political Science, Daemen College, USA

"From topics ranging from presidential selection to the public presidency, Twombly's Progression of the American Presidency engages its readers and challenges them to think critically about the topic at hand and how it relates to the modern presidency. Academically sound, informative, and quite enjoyable, this is an impressive work from a topnotch scholar and professor." - Joshua Meddaugh, Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Pittsburgh, Bradford, USA

JIM TWOMBLY is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Elmira College, USA. In addition to his academic training, Twombly has over 40 years of experience in local and state politics, including having run for local office. He is the author of numerous conference presentations and co-author of articles in New York State Government Finance Officers Association Newsletter, American Political Science Review, American Politics Research, Politics and Policy, and Policy Studies Journal. Dr. Twombly is also the recipient of multiple awards for teaching.

Policies and ethics