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Declaration of Independence
"By declaring themselves an independent nation, the American colonists were able to conclude an official alliance with the government of France and obtain French assistance in the war against Great Britain."
-US Department of State, Office of the Historian -
The Constitution
“Like so many other functions of the Constitution, the powers that were needed to implement foreign policy were divided between the executive and legislative branches.”- This quote explains that through the Constiution, power in dealing with foreign nations is not under one singular authority.
http://www.fff.org/freedom/fd0707e.asp -
Political Philoshophers
"If I knew of something that could serve my nation but would ruin another, I would not propose it to my prince, for I am first a man and only then a Frenchman...because I am necessarily a man, and only accidentally am I French." -Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu Source -
Foreign Assitance Act of 1961
This act of Congress clarified the structure of how the United States gave aid to other countries around the world. In particular, it separated non-military and military aid, and created the United States Agency of International Development. It was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy on November 3rd of the same year. This act enabled a more stable system for how the United States gives foreign aid.
-USAID website -
Name: Rasul, et al. v. Bush, President of the United States, et al.
Decided: 28 June 2004
Summary: This case was an important Supreme Court case that established the United States' court system's authority in determining the wrongful imprisonment of non- nationals at Guantanamo Bay.
Decision: 6-3, stating that the Judiciary system has no authority in handling wrongful cases with non-nationals.
-This case shows the limits of power that the judicial branch has in foreign policy.
-Center for Constitutional Rights -
Executive Foreign Policy:Barack Obama
Though Obama has focused on many foreign policy issues, a large part if it involves his stance on Al Qaeda and his goal to end their activities in the Middle East. The Obama Administration took a large step forward in this mission with the death of Osama bin Laden by Navy Seals by President's order. -White House Official Website
