The Constitution and American Foreign Policy

The Constitution and American Foreign Policy examines the historical tension between presidential power and constitutional constraints in U.S. foreign relations. Smith traces this dynamic from the nation's founding through major conflicts and international engagements. Through analysis of Supreme Court cases, congressional debates, and executive actions, the book outlines how interpretations of constitutional authority have evolved regarding foreign policy decisions. The work focuses on watershed moments when presidents asserted expanded powers in international affairs and faced challenges from other branches of government. The text includes assessments of constitutional crises during wartime, treaty negotiations, executive agreements, and shifts in the balance between Congress and the Executive branch. Smith draws from primary documents and legal precedents to construct a comprehensive view of this constitutional interplay. This scholarly examination reveals fundamental questions about the scope and limits of presidential authority that continue to shape American engagement with the world. The book contributes to ongoing debates about war powers, diplomatic relations, and the role of democratic institutions in foreign affairs.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Jean Edward Smith's overall work: Readers consistently note Smith's clear writing style and extensive research. His biographies are frequently described as engaging and accessible while maintaining academic depth. What readers liked: - Balanced treatment of controversial subjects - Ability to humanize historical figures without sensationalism - Clear explanations of complex political and military events - Thorough documentation and sourcing What readers disliked: - Some found the level of military detail excessive - Occasional repetition of information - Length and density of some works intimidating for casual readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - FDR: 4.39/5 (5,800+ ratings) - Grant: 4.37/5 (7,900+ ratings) - Eisenhower: 4.25/5 (3,400+ ratings) Amazon: - Most titles average 4.5-4.8/5 stars - Bush received slightly lower ratings (4.2/5) Common reader comment: "Smith presents complex historical figures as real people without resorting to hero worship or character assassination" (Goodreads reviewer)

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The Imperial Presidency by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. This study tracks the expansion of presidential power in foreign affairs and the constitutional implications of executive authority in international relations.

The Law of Nations by Mark Weston Janis The text explores the relationship between constitutional law and international law in the American legal system from the founding era to modern times.

War Powers: The Politics of Constitutional Authority by Mariah Zeisberg This analysis focuses on the constitutional distribution of war powers between Congress and the President throughout American history.

🔷 Jean Edward Smith was one of the few biographers granted access to Dwight D. Eisenhower's private papers at West Point, leading to his acclaimed biography "Eisenhower in War and Peace." 🔷 The book explores how the Constitution's "Treaty Clause" requiring two-thirds Senate approval has significantly shaped American diplomatic history, including the rejection of the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. 🔷 The author served as a Professor at the University of Toronto for 35 years before joining Marshall University, where he was named the John Marshall Professor of Political Science. 🔷 The constitutional framework for foreign policy was heavily influenced by the Founders' experiences with European diplomatic relations during the Revolutionary War and under the Articles of Confederation. 🔷 Smith's writing style earned him numerous accolades, including being a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for his biography of Ulysses S. Grant, and he was known for making complex constitutional concepts accessible to general readers.