The American presidency

by Clinton L. Rossiter

Paperback.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction, Political Science, American History

270 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1953

About the author

Clinton Lawrence Rossiter III was an award-winning American historian and political scientist who taught at Cornell University from 1947 until his death in 1970.

Reviews

[Frank Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those rare nonfiction books that doesn't impart a lot of new information, but really makes you think deeper about its subject.

This book was written back in 1960, so there's no denying that its "out of date." There was no 25th Amendment clarifying what would happen if the President was disabled yet. The author also claimed that impeachment was an anachronism probably never to be used again (in the next 50 years it would be used twice). Still, when Rossiter wrote this book he had already been studying the Presidency for 30 years, and had thought intensely about its power and significance, and it shows.

Rossiter's analysis of the different roles of the President (Chief of State, Party Leader, Legislative Leader, Commander-in-Chief) helps demonstrate how multifaceted the office is, and how its valence changes over time. His recognition that the Presidency's power had grown concomittantly with the increasing importance of foreign affairs and economic management in political life was an early statement of this now-truism (he also stated that the Presidency took increased importance from labor-management conflict, a problem that has since receded). Yet Rossiter also argues convincingly that the growing power of the Presidency vis-a-vis Congress is just an aspect of modern American life that shouldn't be bemoaned or lamented, but is simply the most efficient and equitable way to divide responsibility when questions are complex and changing.

In the end, Rossiter manages to study the history of that most individualized of things, the Presidency, as a real office and not just a succession of personalities, though he does give real weight to how individuals have shaped it. He also gives one real respect for the office as its evolved. It's an eye-opening read.

[Mk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent background material & info.

This is an older review of the American presidency - up to Eisenhower in the 1960's - so Nixon and Trump and the massive problems these two present are not considered.

Despite the old age of this work (late 50's early 60's) it remains relevant in many, if not all factors, concerning the office of the US President; therefore, I recommend for those interested in US politics or government.

Good reading!

[john · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable book the provides excellent perspective on our current political problems - they are just like the problems of 50 years ago, 100 years ago... The more things change, the more they stay the same.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated: C+

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought a good insight to the development of the political ideological development of the USA. It was not that original I guess.

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few book about the Presidents of the United States and the little known facts that you didn't know about them.

[Chanel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written in the 1960's, this is the author point of view of The America Presidency. It was a little outdated but informative.

[Bruce]

Thorough and accessible but reflects the more optimistic, less partisan era when it was written.