"Foreign policy is a relatively consistent course of conduct pursued by a state over an appreciable period in its relations with other states. American foreign policy has been largely determined by precedent and tradition, international treaties, moral and legal obligations, national interest, and physical circumstances. During most of its course it emphasized neutrality, freedom of navigation and trade, noninvolvement in European affairs, and resistance to foreign encroachments on the Western Hemisphere. Involvement in World War I interrupted the main trend. After World War II American foreign policy emphasized cooperation with the United Nations in the peaceful solution of the world problems, Marshall Plan aid to Europe and similar assistance to underdeveloped countries, a system of alliances (as NATO, SEATO, CENTO) for the containment of Communist aggression, and direct military confrontation of Communist aggressors (as in Korea, Vietnam). The President formulates foreign policy with the aid of the Secretary of State, Specialists in the State Department, and confidential advisers. The Senate and House committees on foreign affairs wield great influence because of the necessity for obtaining the Senate's consent to treaties and congressional acts authorizing projects and appropriating money." (Dictionary Of American Politics: pg 157).
A nation needs many qualities to survive, but most of all it needs faith and confidence. Skeptics can't build great societies; it is the idealists that are the great builders. It is only the societies that believe in themselves and their purposes that will rise to their challenges. (American Foreign Policy: pg 42) The framers of our constitution believed in the purpose of creating a government that would survive the tests of time, but when it came time to write Article II, Section 2, Clause 2, which states, "The President shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur.
