ABSTRACT
An increasing number of political experts wonder if the office can ever function with reasonable efficiency without major reforms in the selection process and in the Constitutional powers of the presidency. If made to work properly—presidential leadership and persuasion moving the public around a vision that in turn leads to presidential influence in Congress—the separation of powers, and the theory of government that animates it, offers an opportunity for the government to be both powerful and democratically accountable. In the Cold War era, it was widely believed that the United States, as the hegemonic power of the West, required strong presidential leadership. Presidents who lead in the democratic spirit create leaders, foster citizen responsibility, inspire and empower others to assume leadership responsibilities in their communities. Democratic leaders establish a moral vision; pursue egalitarian goals; question, challenge, engage and educate citizens; offer hope.
