If You're Curious About These Questions...
You should listen to this audiobook
- Have you ever wondered why the Founding Fathers designed the U.S. presidency as a grand "experiment"—and how that experiment is still surprising us today?
- Did you know that the role of the president has transformed from a limited executive position into a unique global powerhouse unlike any other in history?
- Are you curious about the original logic behind the controversial Electoral College and how it was actually intended to balance the American government?
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Key Takeaways from The American Presidency
- Understand how the Founding Fathers deliberately designed a 'separated presidency' with built-in checks and balances to prevent the executive branch from exercising tyrannical, unchecked power.
- Discover why the electoral college was established as a crucial compromise between Federalists and Anti-Federalists to balance centralized authority with state power.
- Learn why the title of 'president' and a separate capital city were specifically chosen to break away from British colonial associations and prevent state favoritism.
- Find out how the chaotic election of fierce rivals to the top two offices led to the 12th Amendment, forever changing the way presidential and vice-presidential tickets are structured.
- Trace the fascinating evolution of the US election process, from exclusive congressional nominations to the rise of party conventions and citizen-driven primaries in the twentieth century.
Learning Tools
Reinforce what you learned from The American Presidency
Mind Map
The American Presidency
Origins & The Grand Experiment
Designed to prevent British-style tyranny
Blends duties of a monarch and a prime minister
Neutral title 'President' chosen over tainted 'Governor'
Electoral College formed as compromise between state and popular power
Separation of Powers
Three Independent Branches
Checks & Balances
The Separated Presidency
Evolution of Elections
The 12th Amendment (1803)
Candidate Selection
Legislative Challenges & Tactics
Interdependent System
Presidential Strategies
Evolving Scope & Power
Structural Changes
Modern War Powers
Quiz — Test Your Understanding
Question 1 of 7
Why did the Founding Fathers choose the title 'president' for the new executive leader instead of 'governor'?
The American Presidency — Full Chapter Overview
Chapter 1: Recommendation
Chapter 2: The American presidency arose from an experimental new model of governance.
Chapter 3: From the outset, the presidency’s role and all government branches were laid out clearly and definitively.
Chapter 4: The United States election process has evolved over years.
Chapter 5: Because of the US government’s unique design, it can often be difficult for a president to take decisive action.
Chapter 6: The nature of the United States presidency has evolved, and will continue to evolve.
The American Presidency Summary & Overview
The American Presidency (2007) offers an introduction to the US presidency and the unique role each president must play in world politics. Find out what kind of thinking went into the creation of this job and how it has changed over the years. America’s Founding Fathers created a uniquely experimental government when they broke free from British influence; even today, their experiment continues to surprise us.
Who Should Listen to The American Presidency?
- Readers interested in American history
- Students of politics or public policy
- Frustrated voters trying to understand the electoral college
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