The evolution of the U.S. presidency can be distinguished between traditional and modern presidencies. Traditional presidencies are considered to be those prior to that of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and modern presidencies are considered to be those from Roosevelt to the present. Studies have demonstrated a distinct difference between traditional and modern U.S. presidential candidates in their power and achievement motives. It is the purpose of this paper to explore these differences in motivations and to gain an overall picture of the internal mechanisms that make a person want to become president. 2 pgs. bibliography lists 4 sources.