This collection brings together two groups of scholars. The first, persons active in presidential research, assess the state of the literature in the recruitment and selection of presidential candidates, presidential personality, advisory networks, policy making, evaluations of presidents, and comparative analysis of chief executives.

A second group of scholars, specialists in cognitive psychology, formal theory, organization theory, leadership theory, institutionalism, and methodology, apply their expertise to the analysis of the presidentcy in an effort to generate innovative approaches to presidential research. By taking a fresh look at a well-established field, these groundbreaking essays encourage scholars to renew their emphasis on explanation in research.

George C. Edwards III is Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Presidential Studies at Texas A&M University.

John H. Kessel is Professor of Political Science at Ohio State University.

Bert Rockman is University Professor of Political Science and Research Professor in the University Center for International Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.