michael p. riccards (born october 2, 1944 in elizabeth, new jersey) is an american political scientist, writer, and professor. riccards has been the president of three american colleges and has written extensively on public policy, the american political process, and the history of the american presidency. his book "the ferocious engine of democracy" was praised by bill clinton. he currently serves as executive director of the hall institute of public policy – new jersey.