Learning Objectives

7.1 Understand the historical role of the presidency.

7.2 Be able to discuss the modern presidency’s roles, powers, and challenges.

7.3 Explain the historical transformation of the president from the “chief clerk” of the government (Abraham Lincoln’s description) to the nation’s most important government official.

7.4 Understand how highly partisan divided government in Washington has led presidents to try to make national policy unilaterally. When is this likely to succeed and to fail?