Presidents and the American Presidency

Presidents and the American Presidency, Third Edition, engages students in the study of the presidency through an exploration of both the political institution and the men who have held the office. Considering both the strengths and the weaknesses of the office, authors Lori Cox Han and Diane J. Heith move beyond purely theoretical analysis to examine the real-life, day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of the presidency. They incorporate archival documents from multiple administrations, offer extensive coverage of methodology, and integrate both institutional and president-centered approaches. Now available in an enhanced ebook format, the text incorporates chapter Learning Objectives, section reviews, videos and web activities, within the narrative offering a digitally enhanced learning experience.

First-rate, straight-forward, comprehensive, readable, engaging, well-researched, well-written, unbiased, full of good examples, makes use of archival materials from presidential libraries that bring the topics to life. Covers all the essential and provides more depth. Great reference, too.
The consistent addition of the archival work is a clear strength. This brings the information to life and also provides evidence for the assertions. For advanced students, seeing the use of archival resources can spur their future research agendas.
The textbook blends presidential scholarship with coverage of presidents both historical and contemporary. Han and Heith, two established scholars, present unique insights into presidential behavior with extended excerpts from documents they have uncovered in their research in every presidential library.

Lori Cox-Han is Professor of Political Science and Doy B. Henley Endowed Chair in American Presidential Studies.Her research and teaching expertise include the presidency, women and politics, media and politics, and political leadership.Diane J. Heith is Professor of Government and Politics. She is the author of several works on the presidency, public opinion, campaigns and elections, and the media.