These essays by political scientists provide "an effective snapshot of where the presidency appears to be heading in the 21st century . . . thoughtful insights" (Choice Magazine). The US president is under constant scrutiny from both colleagues and the American people. Questions about the proper role of the president have been especially prevalent in recent decades. This book explores the growth of presidential power, investigating its social, political, and economic impact on America's present and future. Editor Charles W. Dunn and a team of the nation's leading political scientists examine a variety of topics, from the link between campaigning and governing to trends in presidential communication with the public. The book discusses the role of the presidency in a government designed to require cooperation with Congress, and how this relationship is further complicated by the expectations of the public. Several contributors take a closer look at the Obama administration in light of President George W. Bush's emphasis on the unitary executive, a governing style that continues to be highly controversial. Dunn and his contributors provide a thorough analysis of a rapidly changing political role—provoking important questions about the future of America's political system.