Throughout this text, I presume a basic knowledge of American politics. Political science majors who have taken an introductory course in American government should have this basic knowledge. Most readers will have taken other courses in American government – courses on Congress, interest groups, voting, parties, the Court, public policy – and the information and insight you have gained in these other courses will serve you well as you study the presidency. However, a scientific study of the presidency requires a substantive background rarely taught outside of courses specifically focused on the presidency and the executive branch. I present some of the more detailed background information in the chapters that follow; this chapter includes the most fundamental aspects of that background knowledge – the “nuts and bolts” of the presidency.

The organization of this chapter largely mirrors the overall organization of the book. After an introductory section focusing on the Founding era – especially the Founders disagreements over the character and scope of presidential power – there are relatively brief informational sections on each of the following:

1. 1. the historical development of the office of the presidency including a discussion of presidential powers (both formal and informal)

2. 2. the selection process

3. 3. presidential relations with Congress

4. 4. presidential relations with the Supreme Court

5. 5. the broader Executive branch

6. 6. the president's role in foreign policy making

7. 7. the president's role in economic policy making

Each of these sections includes information that will support your mastery of the related material included in subsequent chapters.