The Presidency

The individual who occupies the office of the President of the United States is one of the most powerful individuals in the world. The consequences of presidential leadership are enormous and well worth of study from multiple dimensions. This seminar will survey the origins of the modern presidency; leadership attributes of the chief executive; and how presidents have initiated, reacted, and managed domestic and foreign affairs. Topics include nominations, elections, staff and bureaucracy, rhetoric, public relations, the party system, the "imperial presidency," congressional relations, policies, and political science theories of the presidency. Enrollment limited to 20 junior and senior concentrators in Political Science and Public Policy.