Tracing the development of the U.S. presidency since Harry S. Truman took office in 1945, this volume describes the many ways the president’s actions have affected the development of capitalism in the post–World War II era.

Contributors show how the American “Consumer-in-Chief” has exerted a decisive hand as well as behind-the-scenes influence on the national economy and everyday American life. The essays in this volume highlight the president’s impact on various areas including work, gender discrimination and affirmative action, student loans, retirement planning, the credit card economy, the federal budget, cities, poverty, energy, computers, and genetic engineering. They argue that by supporting policies that helped American businesses grow in all sectors, the president has helped domestic companies expand internationally and has added to a global image of the United States that is deeply intertwined with its leading corporations.