An accessible and comprehensive main text for courses on the presidency, this text argues that to be a successful presidential leader one must effectively manage the enormous institutional and personal resources - the "keys to power."

An accessible and comprehensive main text for courses on the presidency, this text argues that to be a successful presidential leader, one must effectively manage the enormous institutional and personal resources - or the "keys to power." Using the "keys to power" theme, Warshaw argues that the presidency is far more powerful today than in past generations. The book offers the most coverage in the market on the structures that provide the president with such power. As a result, there are discrete chapters dedicated to the vice president, the president's cabinet, the White House staff, and the executive office of the President. Standard topics such as "the president and the economy," are still covered but are integrated throughout the chapters.