The Development of the American Presidency (Hardback)

"Many presidency textbooks present the contemporary presidency as a relatively static institution, defined by its structure and its relationship to other political actors. Ellis is to be applauded for rejecting this model and for embracing a more dynamic vision of this political institution. By chronicling the historical development of the presidency, Ellis highlights the evolving character of presidential power and practices. In doing so, he encourages readers to think about the causes and processes of institutional change, as well as the consequences and desirability of such change."-Ann-Marie Szymanski, The University of Oklahoma "The Development of the American Presidency is a superb and distinctive textbook combining developmental and conceptual approaches to the presidency. It teaches students to see the presidency as an evolving institution in American history. At the same time, Ellis shows how individual incumbents have used the presidency and how their leadership, in turn, changed the institution."-Peri E. Arnold, University of Notre Dame "This book contributes an innovative developmental perspective to the American presidency's central topics. By doing so, it uncovers many insights missing from more conventional textbooks. The concluding chapter draws on the book's many original insights to provide a highly rewarding summary view of the contemporary presidency."-Steven E. Schier, Carleton College "This masterful book brings the development of the presidency to life for undergraduate students and graduate students alike. Ellis's command of presidential history is unmatched."-Terri Bimes, University of California, Berkeley "Astute analyses and vivid story-telling make The Development of the American Presidency fascinating reading. Richard Ellis's text is unique in examining presidential history topically and in paying extensive attention to the early presidents."-Bruce Miroff, SUNY Albany "For teachers of the presidency, Richard Ellis has squared the circle. The Development of the American Presidency is both topical and chronological and, as a result, it is an invaluable classroom text. More than that, it is also a handy reference for professors, graduate students, and anyone interested in the presidency."-Jeremy D. Bailey, University of Houston "This important new text takes presidential-and Constitutional-history seriously, and it teaches that history in a thematic manner that allows for its integration into a presidency course organized topically. Ellis has a keen eye, and an incisive pen. For those seeking to learn how past occupants of the Oval Office have both empowered and constrained its current tenant, this will be indispensable reading." -Andrew Rudalevige, Dickinson College