James Barber’s Presidential
Character Theory
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: