Chapter 2 - Conceptions of Leadership

According to Hargrove in American politics, 2 conceptions of politics action are important. The first deals with coalition in a purist, polity, and dispose to politics of stability and balance. Second evokes electoral mandates where popular majorities are depicted as the reason of policy innovation. Hargrove believes a sense of limits and desire of boldness is both essential for politics. In 1937, Wilfred Binkly said that the presidency is not primarily an administrative office but “preeminently a place of moral leadership,” in agreement in Hargrove. Richard Neustadt, who wrote Presidential power, the most important book on the presidency in the past 50 years said, “an ideal president has to understand that decision making is a seamless web in which each decision influences and is influenced by others. Character is a key characteristics of a president according to Hargrove. Strong character builds confidence and makes them emotionally secure to make them successful leaders.