The Progression of the American Presidency: Individuals, Empire, and Change

by Jim Twombly

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.

267 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Dr. Twombly is Emeritus Professor of Political Science at Elmira College and Vice President of the New York State Political Science Association. He has taught courses in American Politics for 30 years at the University at Buffalo and Elmira College. Dr. Twombly has authored or co-authored many conference papers, journal articles, and other short pieces. He is the author of The Progression of the American Presidency: Individuals, Empire, and Change and Political Scandal and American Pop Culture: Sex, Power, and Cover-ups, both with Palgrave Macmillan. He is also co-author with Lisa Parshall of Directing the Whirlwind: The Trump Presidency's Deconstruction of the Administrative State at Peter Lang USA (and a revised edition entitled Directing the Whirlwind: Deconstruction, Distrust, and the Future of American Democracy due Fall of 2022) and co-author of The Preamble as Policy: A Guidebook to Governance and Civic Duty. His most recent book, Secession and Self-determination in the United States: Culture, Conchs, and Pop vs Soda, was published on May 14, 2026.

Reviews

[Jim Twombly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book, due out February 13, 2013. Edits and page proofs done.