Historical Dictionary of the U.S. Presidency

(Hardback)

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This book covers the development of the presidential office within the context of constitutional interpretations of presidential power and socio-political and economic developments, as well as foreign affairs events, from 1789-2015. It provides details on the men who have held the office, and biographies of vice presidents, unsuccessful candidates for the office, and noteworthy Supreme Court and other appointees. The Historical Dictionary of the U.S. Presidency contains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 300 cross-referenced entries on the development of the institution of the presidency, and details the personalities, domestic and foreign policy governing contexts, elections, party dynamics and significant events that have shaped the office from the Founding to the present day. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the U.S. Presidency.

Reviews

This title in Rowman and Littlefields series of essential information on a broad range of subjects covers all aspects of the U.S. presidency. Author Conley is a specialist on presidential-congressional relations, particularly the modern period. The main entries in the AZ arrangement are clear, succinct, balanced, and comprehensive, including unsuccessful candidates (e.g., Robert LaFollette and George Wallace) and related topics, such as the war in Iraq. The book is enhanced by cross-references, see also references, a wide range of helpful appendixes, and an extensive bibliography, which includes 2014 works. This will be valuable for 2016 election questions and afterward in public and academic libraries. * Booklist *
Conley, author of several such dictionarieson Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and an earlier overview of the US presidency offers here an expansive work covering not only presidential figures but also vice presidents, selected cabinet members, significant Supreme Court appointees, and those candidates for presidential office who were defeated. Entries feature significant historical events that impacted individual presidencies and a vast landscape of topics, including US and world history, art, business, cities, countries, cultures, customs, film, global conflicts, international relations, literature, music, philosophy, religion, sports, and theater. Entries are conveniently cross-referenced to make browsing enjoyable and easy. The 23 appendixes present supplemental information such as election history beginning with George Washington's administration, approval data (Truman through Obama), and a list of 19752009 incidences (i.e., instances) when the president sent US troops abroad, which must be reported to Congress under the War Powers Resolution. There is an extensive, nearly 45-page bibliography at the end of the book that encompasses major biographical works, presidents' autobiographies, and writings from scholarly experts in political science and history. The dictionary is a concise secondary source for background information for student papers. Summing Up: Recommended. High school, community college, and undergraduate students; general readers. * CHOICE *

Author Bio

Richard S. Conley is associate professor of political science at the University of Florida. His research areas include the presidency, presidential-congressional relations, and comparative executives and legislatures. He has written numerous articles, book chapters, and several books, including the Historical Dictionary of the Reagan-Bush Era, Historical Dictionary of the George W. Bush Era, and . Historical Dictionary of the Clinton Era.