The Constitution and the Conduct of American Foreign Policy: Essays in Law and History

In this provocative and readable volume, eleven leading constitutional authorities challenge business as usual in American foreign policymaking. For far too long, they contend, Americans have acquiesced to presidential claims to sweeping executive powers in foreign

affairs--thanks to imperial-minded presidents, a weak-willed Congress, and neglectful scholars.

These authors forcefully argue that the president is not the supreme crafter of foreign policy and that Congress must provide more than a rubber stamp for the president's agenda. Unilateral presidential control of foreign relations, they warn, can pose a grave threat to our nation's welfare and is simply without constitutional warrant.

Combining constitutional theory with keen historical insights, these authors illuminate the roots of presidential abuse of executive power and remind us of the past and potential costs of such disregard for our unique system of checks-and-balances. An essential guide for all concerned citizens and members of Congress, this volume should help revive a proper understanding of this crucial dimension of American democracy.

Author: David Gray Adler
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Published: 07/26/1996
Pages: 410
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.37lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.04w x 1.18d
ISBN: 9780700607563