PREACHING FROM THE BULLY PULPIT: THE PRESIDENT AS MINISTER-IN-CHIEF.

We begin with a discussion of the president’s ministerial function, specifically as it relates to his ability to inspire the polity and serve as the nation’s moralist. The paper then explores what it is about the American context that makes this function one of the presidency’s most important. We then cite specific examples from recent administrations to illustrate the ways in which contemporary chief executives have fulfilled their ministerial role. Finally, the paper concludes by relating the role of minister-in-chief to the broader question of democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]