ABSTRACT
Writing in Federalist #70 about the constitutional outline of the American presidency, Alexander Hamilton characterized two central elements of the office: energy and safety in a single executive. He commented, "The ingredients which constitute energy in the executive are unity; duration; an adequate provision for its support; and competent powers. The ingredients which constitute safety in the republican sense are a due dependence on the people and a due responsibility."1 Through the development of the office, Hamilton's words regarding energy have encompassed a policy role for presidents. Since Washington, presidents have proposed legislation, taken positions on bills they have not directly sponsored, independently promulgated executive orders, commanded troop movements, and negotiated treaties and other international agreements. The framers' concern for a republican office has led to an American fixation on presidential elections in which candidates present themselves as voices of the people courting voters' attention and favor. Winning the election is an uncommon prize that makes presidential candidates and presidents a unique focus of national politics.
