Why is Zeus (Jupiter) depicted as having so many extramarital affairs?

[amity1994]

I can't find the answer anywhere. I"ve been reading mythology by edith hamilton and now I'm filling out a study guide to better remember the information. Help please.

[Michael Steen]

Zeus was the main man, the big kahuna. He had so many extra-marital affairs because the people who worshipped one of the lesser gods in their city almost always wanted a god or goddess whose lineage could be traced back to Zeus. The great goddess Athena, the twins Apollo and Artemis were directly fathered by Zeus. And so were many of the heroes like Hercules and Perseus. You can't get a better pedigree than the king of the gods.
Additionally, as the king, it is presumed that he has "first dibs" in the bedding department. The most powerful bull, lion, elephant, boar, etc. is always the one with the chops to win and impregnate as many females as possible.
So, in my mind, Zeus as the great "layer of women" is nothing more than a reflection of our assumptions about the natural world.
JFK and Bill Clinton, anyone??