This book contains a collection of Stephen Hess's best essays on the presidency. Written over a fifteen year period, the essays selected are just as relevant today as when they were first published. Each essay says something useful about the office of the presidency or a specific president.The book includes:

""Presidential Qualities,"" originally published when Richard Nixon was president, addresses the characteristics we should want in a chief executive regardless of whether or not we agree with him.

""Why Great Men Are Not Chosen Presidents: Lord Bryce Revisited"" asks whether changes in the process by which we select presidential candidates would result in different kinds of people seeking office.

""Toward a More Functional Presidency,"" written after Watergate, rethinks the appropriate role of the president and offers a job description.