James Barber ’s Presidential
Character T heor y
Learning Target: To understand how a
president’s performance attitude can influence
his job performance.
RANKS ACCORDING TO
Assertiveness
RANKS ACCORDING TO
Assertiveness
Feelings about office
James Barber differentiates
between four types of presidential
character: active-positive; activenegative; passive-positive; and
passive-negative.
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.
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
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
ACTIVE-POSITIVE
 Presidents:
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 18:17 “What you
are doing is not good. You and these people will only
wear yourselves out.”
A word of caution (from Mr. L)
 Jethro goes on to say in 18:21 “..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
ACTIVE-NEGATIVE
 Again, active in work
 However, they have low self-esteem
• Have little joy in what they do
• Preoccupied with success or failure
ACTIVE-NEGATIVE
 Presidents:
PASSIVE-POSITIVE
Do not attempt to accomplish a great amount of
new legislation
• Feel the country is fine, and want to leave it
alone
PASSIVE-POSITIVE
Want to be loved
• They like the office, and want people to
accept them
• This often means that they are easily
manipulated
PASSIVE-POSITIVE
 Presidents:
PASSIVE-NEGATIVE
Again, don’t look to accomplish much
Avoid power
• Tend to respond to actions and not initiate
them
• Want to avoid conflict
PASSIVE-NEGATIVE
 Presidents: