lies in the attempt to find the "best" and most "efficient" political
structure. Organizational theory comprises the major emphasis of this
orientation today. Again, however, this approach ignores many
"political" dimensions of the office. There is a big difference between
"efficiency" and "effectiveness." Efficiency does not automatically
guarantee psychological or emotional satisfaction. The presidency is more
than a management office. To identify a problem, isolate the variables,
and construct a solution is not the same as generating support, persuading
a public of a law's necessity, and getting the legislation passed through
Congress. Leadership, as a quality, differs from simple management.
Because the office is "public," structure alone is of little concern when
attempting to gauge the significance of the office to the public.

The pluralism or interest group approach to the presidency focuses on
the behavior of various groups in society that share common interests or
issues. ⁵ The unit of analysis is the cross section of human activity. ⁶ This
approach views political activity as representation of demands in society
founded in social and economic concerns. Various groups of shared
interest compete for power, influence, and access to government reins of
control. Political actions are evaluated in terms of their effects on
specified groups. Thus, political outputs or decisions are really the results
of "group behavior." At least this perspective recognizes more dynamics
of the office. It recognizes the role of societal factors in influencing the
office. The occupant of the office must reflect or at least acknowledge the
concerns of various groups in society. Yet, as the literature defines the
area, it tends to ignore the influence of elites in controlling the very
demands and issues of the "interest groups."

The question arises as to the significance of issues proclaimed. Are
the problems announced truly reflective of the opinions of a large number
of citizens? Group consensus can certainly be fabricated and manipulated.
If the various appeals are abstract enough, we all belong to many groups.
The important question is the intensity of affiliation. One can argue that
sheep, as a group, seek comfort and safety in numbers, but the shepherd
is the one who dictates the parameters of movement and limits of food.
Societal laws can be potent independent variables in patterning human
behavior. With the powerful but passive role of mass media, it has
become rather easy to proclaim wide support. Public versus private
interest is largely a matter of myth. Are presidents to be viewed simply as
"interest group leaders" with their sole task to function as bargainers of
special interests? The office encompasses all Americans. Once elected,
the president is indeed president of all the people for a set period of four
years no matter the margin of electoral victory. In most inaugural

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