Final answer:
The roles of the president make finding qualified individuals challenging because they demand a diverse skill set, significant political skill, and ability to manage complex governmental systems. Effective leadership is also contingent on the political context and support from Congress. Presidential power has increased as government services have expanded, highlighting the need for adaptable and skilled leadership.
Step-by-step explanation:
The roles of the president indeed make it difficult to find an individual qualified to operate effectively in office because they require a diverse skill set. Successfully navigating the presidency involves understanding and balancing multiple roles such as being the head of state, chief legislator, and commander-in-chief, alongside managing a complex governmental system with limited time to implement a political agenda. Not only must a president respond to unexpected events adeptly, but they also require significant political skill, policy vision, and cognitive abilities to govern efficiently. Furthermore, the political landscape, including party support and relationships with Congress, can greatly influence a president’s effectiveness and legacy. Technological changes have expanded the public influence of the presidency, while executive powers like issuing pardons and executive orders offer direct actions the president can take without congressional approval.
Presidential power has expanded as government services and bureaucracy have grown. However, the effectiveness of a president can be contingent on the nature of their election, support from Congress, and circumstances largely outside their control, such as times of crisis or stability. What defines a good president goes beyond constitutional requirements, involving personal traits that align with the demands of the ever-evolving office. As theorized by Davis and Moore, the significant amount of skill required for the job of the president makes it a position with a limited number of qualified individuals.