Presidential Shifts explores how changes in presidential administrations have fundamentally reshaped American politics and policy. It examines pivotal moments when transitions in leadership led to significant shifts in governance, societal norms, and America's global role. The book analyzes the anatomy of power transfer, the evolution of policy paradigms under different presidential styles, and the lasting impacts of these shifts, offering insights into American political history.
The book's structure unfolds in three parts, starting with the theoretical framework for understanding presidential power and policy change. It then presents case studies, such as the shift from Hoover to Roosevelt during the Great Depression and Reagan succeeding Carter amid economic stagnation. These examples highlight how new presidents often bring distinct policy priorities that dramatically affect society.
The book uses diverse sources, including presidential archives and statistical analyses, to quantify the impact of presidential policies. Ultimately, Presidential Shifts provides a comparative analysis of presidential shifts across historical periods, offering a fresh perspective by focusing on the discontinuities in American political history. It bridges political science, history, and economics, making it valuable for anyone interested in American politics and its leadership transitions.
