Chapter 12

1. What makes a great President (not which Presidents have been great) . . . what qualities are essential to greatness?  Why?
An article I read on CNN noted that presidential greatness is determined by being in the White House at the right time, or the wrong time. Americans expect a lot from the leader of our country. They want the President to take quick action on problems facing the nation. A good President should be able to respond quickly in pressured situations while being strong and caring. Author Michael Siegel identified four leadership qualities that define excellence in the White House. First, the president should have a compelling vision for his presidency. Second, the president has to have the wherewithal to implement his vision.  Third, he has to focus on a few major goals at a time. Finally, the president must understand the process and implications of decision making.

2. Other than Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, which two Presidents have been the greatest and why?
Franklin Roosevelt is considered one of the greatest presidents in history, largely because he was good at communicating with the public. He knew what people wanted, which was action, words, and optimism. He took large action against the Great Depression and many believe he was the reason the Depression ended. His words and actions regarding the Pearl Harbor attacks are still quoted today and still left him as a role model to presidents after him. Roosevelt’s successor Harry Truman was also considered to be one of the best presidents. He ordered the use of atomic bombs to end World War II, which was called one of the boldest presidential decisions in history.

3. Research a President that you're previously unfamiliar with - list at least three things you learned.  Was this President effective?  Why or why not?
I chose to research President John F. Kennedy because even though I have heard about his assassination, I have not heard about anything he accomplished during his presidency. President Kennedy was sworn in as the 35^th president on January 20, 1961. He gained a lot of fame in his inaugural address, speaking the now famous phrase “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”. Kennedy wanted to organize his presidency like the structure of a wheel, with all the spokes leading to the president. On April 17^th, 1961, Kennedy ordered the Bay of Pigs Invasion in Cuba. The intention was to invade Cuba and cause an uprising among Cuban people in hopes of removing Castro from power. His approval rating increased after the Cuban Missile Crisis because it was believed to have improved the image of American willpower and the president’s credibility.