Overview
Powerful though it may be, the Oval Office is not the source of all authority in government. In a revised edition of his classic book, updated through George W. Bush, Charles O. Jones explains that an exclusive focus on the U.S. presidency distorts the picture of how national government really works. Jones explores the ways in which presidents find their place in the permanent government and how they are "fitted in" by others, most notably those on Capitol Hill.Synopsis
Challenging the facile portrayal of the US government as centered on the president, Jones (emeritus political science, U. of Wisconsin) examines the organizational, political, and procedural constraints on the chief executive, as well as the role of public approval. In the second edition, he refines his concepts, and updates his examples through Clinton and George W. Bush. No date is mentioned for the first. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Booknews
Through detailed examinations of ten post-war administrations and their relationship with Congress, Jones (political science, U. of Wisconsin) shows that despite the headlines and public visibility that presidents command, all find their power to govern restrained by party politics, divided government, special interests, media scrutiny, and especially by the constitutional prerogatives of the legislative branch. Paper edition (unseen), $16.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)