Question

Taking a position on the French Revolution was difficult for Washington because:

A. the legislative branch was charged with overseeing diplomacy.
B. his cabinet was in favor of the revolution, but he was entirely against it.
C. he had personal ties to the French that he did not want to break.
D. the president’s role in foreign policy had not yet been specifically defined.

Answer 1

At this moment in history, it was still unclear how much power the President actually possessed with regard to international affairs because the Constitution does not expressly specify that the President has sole control over foreign policy. Washington was hesitant to weigh in on a topic that was so divisive unless he was certain he had the authority to support his position. Thus the correct answer is D) the president’s role in foreign policy had not yet been specifically defined.

Answer 2

D. the president's role in foreign policy had not yet been specifically defined.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Constitution does not explicitly state that the President has sole authority over foreign policy, and so at this point in history it was still unclear exactly how much power the President actually had in regards to international affairs. Washington didn't want to take a position on such a contentious issue without knowing for sure that he could back up his stance with actual authority.