This comprehensive two-volume guide is the definitive source for researchers seeking an understanding of those who have occupied the White House and on the institution of the U.S. presidency. Readers turn Guide to the Presidency and the Executive Branch for its wealth of facts and analytical chapters that explain the structure, powers, and operations of the office and the president's relationship with Congress and the Supreme Court.

The fifth edition of this acclaimed reference completes coverage of the George W. Bush presidency, the 2008 election, and the first 3 years of the presidency of Barack Obama. This includes coverage of their handling of the economic crisis, wars abroad, and Obama's healthcare initiatives. The work is divided into eight distinct subject areas covering every aspect of the U.S. presidency, and all chapters in each subject area have been revised and updated:

Origins and Development of the Presidency, including constitutional beginnings, history of the presidency and vice presidency, and presidential ratings

 Selection and Removal of the President, including the electoral process, a chronology of presidential elections, removal of the president and vice president, and succession

Powers of the Presidency, including the unilateral powers of the presidency and those as chief of state, chief administrator, legislative leader, commander in chief, and chief economist

 The President, the Public, and the Parties, including presidential appearances, the president and political parties, the president and the news media, the presidency and pop culture, public support and opinion, and the president and interest groups

 The Presidency and the Executive Branch, including the White House Office, the Office of the Vice President, supporting organizations, the cabinet and executive departments, presidential commissions, and executive branch housing, pay, and perquisites

 Chief Executive and Federal Government, including the president and Congress, the president and the Supreme Court, and the president and the bureaucracy

Presidents, their Families, and Life in the White House and Beyond, including the daily life of the president, the first lady, the first family, friends of presidents, and life after the presidency

Biographies of the Presidents, Vice Presidents, First Ladies

This new volume also features more than 200 textboxes, tables, and figures. Major revisions cover the supporting White House organizations and the president's role as chief economist. Additional reference materials include explanatory headnotes, as well as hundreds of photographs with detailed captions.