Few public offices are as storied as the U.S. presidency. From its inception in the 18th century and the first president, George Washington, through the turbulence of the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln's masterful statesmanship, to twentieth-century leaders who steered America onto the world stage, the president is responsible for communicating the national mission. It is a job with great power that comes with many challenges. The president may be called upon to manage international crises, implement new policies, and forge alliances across the political spectrum. This book takes you inside the office of the presidency. Learn the ways the president's power is limited by the Constitution. Find out more about the history of the office and the evolution of rituals such as the inauguration. Take a tour of the Oval Office—the heart of the White House, where the president conducts business. Discover the requirements for becoming president and how presidential elections work. Key terms and educational videos will help improve your understanding of this highest office in the land.