Chapter 3, The President, King of Democracy Summary and Analysis

The President of the United States is the most powerful and widely recognized person on earth. He is the commander-in-chief of the only remaining superpower and is sometimes seen as the world's policeman. The president is the economic, social and moral compass of the nation. The president does not hold office by birthright, but supposedly by merit. The 22nd Amendment prevents him from holding office longer than two terms, or eight years.

In Article II of the Constitution, the office of the presidency is thought to be a political compromise. It mixes strong central authority while avoiding the pitfalls of such authority. He was to be the chief administrator of the government, command the armed forces but be forced by law to relinquish the presidency after his term. The presidency could...