What authority does the president have in creating foreign policy?How much authority is wrapped up in his or her personality and popularity?

A common belief among academics is that foreign affairs and national defense issues have very little impact on presidential campaigns (Aldrich, et al 1989). One theory is that voters are more concerned about domestic issues – their own economic concerns, for example. Another theory (Aldrich, et al 1989) is that there is very little difference between the two major parties’ positions when it comes to America’s foreign policy and national defense. However, with the presidential election already under way, there are already distinct differences being drawn by the candidates on how they view the role of the president in crafting foreign policy and how closely he or she should work with Congress. Furthermore, each candidate has their own stance on how strongly engaged America should be internationally.

What authority does the president have in creating foreign policy? Has it shifted over time? How much authority is wrapped up in his or her personality and popularity? What about the authority of Congress? How have these powers shifted over two centuries of American history? Is there an ideal balance? Which branch should have the most power? How involved should the United States be internationally? Should we be the “world’s police”?