What is presidential style and how has it been reflected by presidents of the mid-to-late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries?
What will be an ideal response?
Presidential style refers to the image portrayed by presidents that symbolizes who the president represents for the American people as well as for foreign leaders. Style differences between presidents are quite real but they are also carefully cultivated. Harry Truman was known for his direct, and at times, profane use of language, as well as his no-nonsense approach to decision making. Conversely, Dwight Eisenhower portrayed himself as someone who stood above the ugliness of day-to-day politics. John F. Kennedy and his administration emphasized the concepts of youth and energy. Following the corruption and unease of Watergate and Richard Nixon’s resignation, Jimmy Carter’s style promised honesty and competence in the American government. Ronald Reagan offered optimism and a grandfatherly presence.
Following Reagan, Bill Clinton’s style emphasized intellect and compassion, whereas his successor, George W. Bush represented the antithesis of Clinton’s intellect. Bush seemed more concerned with results than academics. Bush also invoked a high moral tone in his presidency that was largely absent during Clinton’s term. Barack Obama brought an even-keeled, introverted disposition to the office. This approach was an amalgamation of several of his predecessors: Reagan’s optimism, Clinton’s intellect, and Bush’s faith and commitment to family. Donald Trump brought a brash and flamboyant style to the White House. Presidential styles, while quite varied, remain a subtle, or not so subtle, means though which presidents communicate. Despite their careful cultivation, perceptions of a president’s style can often fluctuate and often times they are impacted by issues outside the control of the president himself.
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Proponents of devolution argue that the authority of __________
a. the military should be expanded b. state governments should be expanded c. the federal government should be expanded d. Congress should be expanded
What is an ideal type?
a. A world with a perfect balance of power b. A paradigm stated in its purest and most exaggerated form c. A world without wars and conflicts d. None of the above e. All of the above
Who among the following is a modern president?
A. James Buchanan B. Theodore Roosevelt C. Bill Clinton D. Calvin Coolidge
Which of the following statements about television viewing patterns is accurate?
a. Americans spend about three hours daily consuming information through television b. only about a third of Americans still rely on television for news c. CNN remained the most popular source of television news during 2015 d. Between 2014 and 2015, viewership of most major networks declined