James Barber

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James Barbers Presidential Character Theory
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Ranks according to

• Assertiveness

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Ranks according to

• Assertiveness
• Feelings about office

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• James Barber differentiates between four types of
  presidential character active-positive
  active-negative passive-positive and
  passive-negative.

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• Before voters cast their ballots for president,
  they should know how active the candidate is and
  whether or not he or she truly enjoys political
  life. This allows voters to predict presidential
  performance before the candidate takes office.

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Active-positive

• These are presidents that were very active in
  their time in office
• They attempted to get a lot of legislation passed
• They attempted to change the country

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Active-positive

• They are enthusiastic to be in office, they enjoy
  their job
• They want the power and responsibility of being
  in charge
• Power is used as a means to achieve success

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Active-positive

• Presidents

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A word of caution (from Mr. L)

• Often times, a president in this category will
  attempt to do too much work, and in effect burn
  themselves out
• Exodus 18 visits Moses who is attempting to be a
  judge for over 2 million people
• His father-in-law Jethro warns him in 1817 What
  you are doing is not good. You and these people
  will only wear yourselves out.

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A word of caution (from Mr. L)

• Jethro goes on to say in 1821 ..but select
  capable men from all the people-men who fear God,
  trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain-and
  appoint them as officials
• It is important that a president know how to
  delegate authority, always check this out when
  selecting a presidential candidate

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Active-negative

• Again, active in work
• However, they have low self-esteem
• Have little joy in what they do
• Preoccupied with success or failure

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Active-negative

• Presidents

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Passive-positive

• Do not attempt to accomplish a great amount of
  new legislation
• Feel the country is fine, and want to leave it
  alone

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Passive-positive

• Want to be loved
• They like the office, and want people to accept
  them
• This often means that they are easily manipulated

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Passive-positive

• Presidents

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Passive-negative

• Again, dont look to accomplish much
• Avoid power
• Tend to respond to actions and not initiate them
• Want to avoid conflict

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Passive-negative

• Presidents