The Cult of the Presidency

"The Cult of the Presidency" explores how the modern American presidency has become a central fault line of political polarization, with citizens and politicians alike demanding an office capable of addressing a wide array of issues. Interweaving historical, legal, and cultural insights, Gene Healy examines how the office has expanded beyond its original constraints, raising concerns about the consequences for American democracy. In the 2024 edition, Healy emphasizes the urgency of re-limiting executive power amid escalating partisan hostility and warns that unless Americans adjust their expectations, the country's political fabric may face further unraveling.