An examination of the presidency in the American political system, including the “road to the White House” (party nomination process and role of the electoral college), advisory systems, the institutional presidency, relations with Congress and the courts, and decision-making in the White House. In addition, the instructors draw from their own research interests. For Professor Martin these include presidential-congressional relations, the unilateral action of the President, the role of women as advisors within the White House and in the executive branch, and the influence of outside groups on the White House’s consideration of issues. As part of their final class project, students will be expected to attend a film event–see comments for further information. For Professor Rudalevige these include presidents’ inter-branch relations, with a recent emphasis on presidential efforts to manage the wider executive branch through administrative and unilateral tactics.