The Complete Idiot's Guide to the American Presidency

Book excerpt: From George Washington to George W. In the course of the 2008 presidential campaigns, Americans became involved in the political process at a level rarely seen in modern history. But even before the historic race, George W. Bush's tenure had left many Americans wondering how we got to where we are today. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to the American Presidency takes readers from the first president to the one who just stepped down-exploring the legacies of the greatest leaders and the black marks against others, and showing the ways in which they left their stamp on both the nation and the presidency itself. • Written by the author of the highly successful The Complete Idiot's Guide® to American History, Fifth Edition • Appendices that list the presidents and their vice presidents, the presidential elections, and further reading