"The First Lady is an unpaid public servant elected by one person - her husband"

Lady Bird Johnson's quote, "The First Lady is an unpaid public servant elected by one person - her husband", encapsulates both the standard function and fundamental paradox of the position of the First Woman of the United States. The function of the First Lady is unique in American politics since it is not defined by the Constitution, nor does it bring any official responsibilities or amasses any income, yet it wields considerable influence and visibility.

By describing the First Lady as an "unpaid public servant", Johnson highlights the expectation that the President's partner carries out a series of public tasks without receiving financial payment. This term emphasizes the commitment and service anticipated of the First Lady, who frequently engages in advocacy, humanitarian work, and supports numerous nationwide concerns, operating almost like a diplomat or ambassador in specific contexts. Regardless of her absence of official status, the First Lady frequently establishes prominent efforts, such as Lady Bird Johnson's own highway beautification projects or Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign.

The phrase "chosen by a single person - her partner" highlights another unique component of the function: it is not a selected or chosen position identified through democratic processes. Instead, the First Lady's status is a by-product of her other half's election to the presidency. This conjugal choice underscores the individual dimension of the political sphere where personal relationships can have substantive political implications.

Additionally, this quote invites reflection on gender roles and expectations, particularly since its utterance came during the mid-20th century, a time when traditional gender roles were more prevalent. While the role of the First Lady has progressed, with more First Ladies actively taking part in policy and public discourse, it stays a position regularly defined by marriage rather than by institutional required or personal qualifications.

In sum, Lady Bird Johnson's observation records the intricacy of the First Lady's role: vital yet informal, prominent yet unpaid, individual yet public-- exposing much about both the organization of marriage and the operation of political power within the United States.