The President and Foreign Policy.

Foreign Policy may be composed of many elements: isolationismpolice action neutralitywar foreign aid diplomacy economic sanctions political pressure blockade military intervention covert action

In 1799, Representative Marshall said on the floor of Congress: “The president is the sole tool of the nation in its external relations, and its sole representative with foreign nations. “ Marshall would later be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the Court has upheld this attitude.

Constitutional powers of president in foreign policy: *appoint ambassadors (Senate ratifies) *serve as commander-in-chief *negotiate treaties (2/3 Senate vote ratifies) *Presidents often use implied powers

The President has much more influence in foreign policy then in domestic policy. The public tends to support the President in a foreign policy crisis, especially if it is short term. If the crisis continues for a long period of time, the public becomes skeptical and may lose interest.

In 1947, the National Security Council (NSC) was created to assist the president in coordinating foreign & defense policy. Members: President Vice President Secretary of State National Security Advisor Secretary of Defense Advisor to council include CIA Director & Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff

There are several factors that determine the President’s decisions in foreign policy:

External Decision Makers: Example: President Carter had to take into consideration the American hostages that were held in captivity by Iran. He could not make a decision about foreign policy without having to think about the hostages.

Time Available: Urgency of situation: FDR asked for an immediate declaration of war on Japan after Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941.

Style of Decision- Making: Kennedy had a close group of personal friends who he had attended college with: these were known as “The Harvard Club.”