The Development of the American Presidency provides students with a full examination of the historical development of the American presidency. Organized by the topics and concepts relevant to political science, the textbook keeps the constitutional origins and political development of the presidency as its central focus. Through comprehensive and in-depth coverage, Richard J. Ellis looks at how the presidency has evolved in relation to the public, to Congress, to the executive branch, and to the law, showing how different aspects of the presidency have followed distinct trajectories of change. Each chapter promotes active learning for students, beginning with an illustrative puzzle that brings to life a central concept. A wealth of photos, figures, and tables allow for the visual presentations of concepts. In this new edition, the author incorporates new research in each chapter, takes the full measure of the Biden presidency and grapples with what the second Trump presidency means for the institution -assessing how the constitutional system of checks and balances functions depends on assumptions of presidential self-restraint. Analyzing how historical turns have shaped the modern institution, this book helps undergraduate political science students gain a rich, nuanced understanding of the American presidency.
Praise for the Fourth Edition
"A vivid examination of the historical development of the American presidency. This new edition gives students the foundation to answer in detailed and nuanced ways whether former President Trump was the culmination of the modern presidency or a clear break. Highly recommended for college courses on the presidency."
Terri Bimes, University of California, Berkeley
"A sweeping treatment of the American presidency by one of the country's top presidential scholars. Based on over three decades of research and analysis, it uses descriptions, data, and anecdotes to demystify the American presidents. Ellis explains how the presidency and the executive branch have evolved over time in all aspects of the job: elections, rhetoric, influencing legislation, party relations, war-making, and the wielding of executive power itself. His writing style is not only insightful, but highly entertaining. Excellent for students at all levels, as well as general interest readers."
Mark Zachary Taylor, Georgia Institute of Technology
"The Development of the American Presidency is a terrific text for teaching. The book's organization, blending historical and thematic approaches, makes for lively, readable chapters. The introductory puzzle with which each chapter begins effectively raises fundamental questions for classroom discussion. And Ellis' own intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and appreciation for history, important to every student's development, come through on every page."
Michael G. Hagen, Temple University
"A vivid examination of the historical development of the American presidency. This new edition gives students the foundation to answer in detailed and nuanced ways whether former President Trump was the culmination of the modern presidency or a clear break. Highly recommended for college courses on the presidency."
Terri Bimes, University of California, Berkeley
"A sweeping treatment of the American presidency by one of the country's top presidential scholars. Based on over three decades of research and analysis, it uses descriptions, data, and anecdotes to demystify the American presidents. Ellis explains how the presidency and the executive branch have evolved over time in all aspects of the job: elections, rhetoric, influencing legislation, party relations, war-making, and the wielding of executive power itself. His writing style is not only insightful, but highly entertaining. Excellent for students at all levels, as well as general interest readers."
Mark Zachary Taylor, Georgia Institute of Technology
"The Development of the American Presidency is a terrific text for teaching. The book's organization, blending historical and thematic approaches, makes for lively, readable chapters. The introductory puzzle with which each chapter begins effectively raises fundamental questions for classroom discussion. And Ellis' own intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and appreciation for history, important to every student's development, come through on every page."
Michael G. Hagen, Temple University







