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Historians have debated what the nature of the presidency was intended by the founders of the United States. Alexander Hamilton explained the presidency as a need "energy" that helped to propel the legislative branch to action. In effect, the presidency was to be the engine of government rather than government or just another branch. Since Hamilton's time, the presidency has often varied between more centralized or even weak power. Perhaps what was not envisioned in the early United States is the degree to which partisan politics would sculpt policy.
4. Ragone, N. & Velshi, A. (2011) <i>Presidential leadership: 15 decisions that changed the nation</i>. Amherst, N.Y, Prometheus Books.
Presidential administrations have often been remembered and at least partially defined historically by single acts or decisions. For Washington, it was the Whiskey rebellion, for Truman it was his decision to support the was in Korea and subsequently fire Douglas MacArthur, while for John Kennedy it was decision to reach the moon before the end of the 1960s. While other actions are remembered by these and other presidents, specific speeches and decisions have defined the nation through the experiences or agendas put forth. What the book demonstrates is that beyond laws enacted or agendas pushed, it was speeches and choices made that defined the country and presidency.
