Modelling Presidential Representation: The Presidency’s Relationship with the People

In an age of crisis, division, and ideological representation, it is vital to understand the representative and leadership qualities that made past presidents successful, not in terms of policy, but in terms of character. This interpretation of the American presidency reflects the nation as a whole, not as a political or personal allegiance, but as a symbol of Americanism in the current age. Through the use of scholarly literature and historical accounts of highlighted American Presidents, (Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, FDR, and more), insight can be utilized to create a new model of presidential representation that addresses the faults of current methodologies. This thesis aims to identify the critical successful characteristics and strategies enacted by American presidents to relate with the American people, especially in times of hardship, when understanding and connection are needed the most. These attributes can then formulate a blueprint for positive personal relationships and identify qualities for future Presidential leadership. Once determined, these traits can be formatted into a new model of representation to analyze the representative power and ability of the American presidency in order to establish a baseline for successful representation.