This remarkably thorough two-volume reference has been updated to incorporate the final years of the George W. Bush administration, the 2004 election, and the first three years of Barack Obama's administration. The title has been expanded to reflect a broadened scope that now includes not just the presidency but the entire executive branch. The origins and development of the presidency are addressed in the first four chapters. Following is detailed coverage of the selection and removal of the president, presidential powers, the public and the parties, and the organization and functioning of the executive branch. Chapters on the presidents and their families, life in the White House, and life beyond the White House are followed by biographies of the presidents, vice presidents, and first ladies.A section of tabular and graphical data gives convenient access to a myriad of biographical details and data concerning political party nominees, party affiliations in Congress, Cabinet members, and presidential support in Congress over a 60-year period, among other information. CQ Press is an imprint of SAGE Publications. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)