ABSTRACT
The presidency is the highest peak in the diversified range of political institutions, and may well be the first to occupy our attention. It is possible to understand the President apart from the miniature presidents of the separate states, or apart from the Supreme Court, or even Congress, but it is not possible to understand the President without taking account of the political parties. There are political parties in every country, but none like the American parties. The American political party is thus an essentially complete and independent organization. An important political issue was created, and a part of the country stood out for the rights of the Union, a part for those of the individual states. Representatives and broke off all political entanglements in order to become partner in a law firm. The reputation and influence which are earned in political life are much more potent than any honour deriving from position.
