ABSTRACT
These two quotations pinpoint the central dilemma of the modern presidency: In the American political system, the president is the only national unifying force. Only the president is elected by a single national constituency, and all executive power is vested in the office. He has, therefore, both great responsibilities and great power. Because the chief executive is so centrally placed, public expectations of the office are high.1 But in recent years, few incumbents have possessed the qualities necessary to carry out the job efficiently and responsibly.
