Known as a team player, George Bush was skilled at establishing defined goals for programs and then rallying support. That talent was displayed during his presidency in his international leadership during the Gulf War (1991). Leading at home, in the highly partisan political environment (where the concerns of one's party are placed above all other considerations) of Washington, D.C., proved more difficult.

Bush's presidency was challenged on two fronts—a Democratic-controlled Congress and an increasingly hostile conservative group within Bush's own Republican Party. (Conservative political philosophy is characterized by limited government influence and support for conventional social values.) Bush came to office with a distinguished record of public service. After being vice president to the popular Ronald Reagan (1911-; see entry in volume 5), Bush became the first sitting vice president in 150 years to be elected president. Conservative Republicans wanted Bush to continue Reagan's policies of...