The Policy Partnership: Presidential Elections and American Democracy

The presidency was neither designed nor expected to act in concert with the American people; the Framers intended Congress to represent the popular will. Thanks in part to public outrage at Congressional abuses of power, Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson led mass movements that forced major changes in the presidency, electoral politics, and national policy. Contemporary presidents are elected on the promise of being the direct representative of the people. There is an implicit deal betwee...