What are the main criteria for rating presidents?

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 politics, and, as a consequence, the electorate look to a strong
president to support their interests against those in power whom they do not
trust. During his term in office, the president is continuously examined within
the minds of the masses, most acutely through the various limbs of the media.
All presidents begin their terms, having just been voted in by the majority of
the populace, with broad public support. Evidence shows however that this
support, or `popularity rating' wanes over time, peaking only after military or
other dra...