What are the main criteria for rating presidents? More than any other political figure, the President of the United States of America attracts the scrutiny and passion of the American people. As their elected Head of State, he represents the presence of the masses, and is seen as the figurehead of the nation in times of national crisis and grief. The last few decades have seen a public disillusionment with the democratic process in American …showed first 75 words of 2717 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2717 total…Barber's active-positive definition, who may not leave office with great pride and public veneration, but yet should be well satisfied with their achievements in carrying out their presidential duties with clarity and vigour. It is certainly true that the presidents who face the most dramatic circumstances, are those who seem to be remembered as the `greatest. I think this is the real crux of the presidential `rating' - a balanced marriage between circumstance and response.