The Presidential Branch: From Washington to Clinton

Hart's study of presidential staffing contends that the major institutional trends and developments in the history of the executive office have not only remained unchanged since the mid-1980s but have been reinforced by the controversies of the Bush and Clinton presidencies. The idea of comity survived a 12-year period of divided government; it was tested during those years, but not successfully challenged, and the presidential branch is still almost immune from effective congressional scrutiny. The efforts of reformers to persuade presidents to change the way the presidential staff functions continue to be ignored. The historical development of the Executive Office of the President reveals a great deal about the American presidency, American politics more generally, and the policies that have emerged from the Oval Office. As the presidential staff continues to increase its visibility, power, and influence, Hart's analysis, supported by extensive documentation, concludes with coverage of Bill Clinton's often tumultuous White House.