Access the latest research in presidential politics without shying away from controversial topics in READINGS IN PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS. This anthology includes 13 selections written by top scholars in the field of Presidential Politics and Policy, including George Edwards, Barbara Sinclair, James Pfiffner, Gary Jacobsen, Steve Wayne, and Louis Fisher.

Table of Contents

1. PRESIDENTIAL SELECTION. William G. Mayer, "WHY PRESIDENTS BREAK PROMISES?" George C. Edwards III, "The Flawed Foundations of the Electoral College." 2. THE CONTEXT OF THE PRESIDENCY. Gary C. Jacobson, "Partisan Polarization in Presidential Support: The Electoral Connection." William G. Howell, "Power without Persuasion: Rethinking Foundations of Executive Influence". Stephen J. Wayne, "Presidential Decision Making: The Influence of Personality on George W. Bush's Decisions to Go to War." 3. THE PRESIDENT AND THE PUBLIC. James Pfiffner, "Do Presidents Lie?" George C. Edwards III, "The Limits of the Bully Pulpit." 4. THE PRESIDENT AND THE PRESS. Martin P. Wattenberg, "The Changing Presidential Media Environment". Jeffrey E. Cohen, "News That Doesn?t Matter: Presidents, the News Media, and the Mass Public in an Era of New Media" 5. THE PRESIDENT AND THE GOVERNMENT. Louis Fisher, "What Is the Appropriate Role of Congress in National Security Policy" . Barbara Sinclair, "Why There Is Gridlock in Congress." George C. Edwards III, "Why Not the Best? The Loyalty?Competence Trade-Off in Presidential Appointments." Sheldon Goldman, "Is there a Crisis in Judicial Selection?"