ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book shows that George Bush actually went beyond Ronald Reagan in his efforts to cut back the federal role in civil rights. It focuses on civil rights, particularly on equality for groups. The book organizes according to a stimulus-response model. It investigates the context in which presidents Reagan and Bush used statements and actions to obtain their desired results in civil rights. The book considers the dominant patterns are discussed following the cases, and the consequences of each case. It discusses presidential statements setting forth civil rights agendas. The book describes various presidential actions to influence those inside and outside government. It also discusses the variety of actor responses possible. The book considers several budgetary and programmatic responses to presidential statements and actions. It assesses the presidential role at various stages of the policy process and by subissues within it.
