The American Presidency: Origins and Development, 1776-2011

The American Presidency examines the constitutional precepts of the executive office and the social, economic, political, and international factors that have shaped it. In this updated sixth edition, Milkis and Nelson add new scholarship to every chapter, address the end of George W. Bush’s tenure, and―in a new chapter―explore President Obama’s first two years in office.
Treating each presidency succinctly, the authors focus on how individual presidents have shaped the executive office to reveal the developmental arc of the modern presidency. By emphasizing patterns of presidential conduct, this award-winning book offers perspective and insight on the expansion of presidential power over the years.