The Partisan Presidency: From Reagan to Obama Contributor(s): Skinner, Richard (Author) |
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ISBN: 041573259X ISBN-13: 9780415732598 Publisher: Routledge OUR PRICE: $45.55 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: January 2026 This item may be ordered no more than 25 days prior to its publication date of January 5, 2026 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Political Science | Political Ideologies - Democracy - Political Science | American Government - Executive Branch - Political Science | Political Process - Political Parties |
Dewey: 321.804 |
Physical Information: 224 pages |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: Since the 1980s the American chief executive has shifted from a paradigm of the "modern presidency" to the "partisan presidency," argues Richard Skinner. This timely and engaging account of how the president relates to political parties helps us understand how contemporary presidents have polarized the electorate, helped drive a wedge between Republicans and Democrats in Congress, put a strong partisan imprint upon the executive branch, and seek to get their message out through partisan media outlets. Partisan presidents in the new era are far less interested in neutral competence and instead use the national party committees as tools of governance. The book balances the development of the partisan presidency through recent history, with a thorough understanding of how Barack Obama fits into this polarized environment. Despite Obama's rhetoric of bridging the partisan divide, his governing style has shown more continuity with than change from previous partisan presidents. Political parties--far from being on the decline, as political scientists used to argue--are undergoing a strong revitalization in American politics. This creates some positive effects on the American political system, but is also associated with a number of dysfunctional features. Ultimately the U.S. separation of powers structure prevents an unbridled partisan presidency, but current trends suggest that strong partisan polarization is at some level a constant in American history and the mid-twentieth century was the anomaly. The Partisan Presidency is essential reading for students of American politics. |