Final answer:
Herbert Hoover was the Secretary of Commerce before his presidency, known for his effective administration and humanitarian efforts in Europe, but not for serving as a senator nor his strong stance on foreign affairs. He adhered to 'American individualism' but his economic policies during the presidency received criticism for their inadequacy during the Great Depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the decade before his presidency, Herbert Hoover served as the Secretary of Commerce, not as a senator. During his tenure, he was an effective administrator, seeking to promote partnerships between government and businesses, and he helped feed Europe post-World War I. While his pre-presidential work was noted for its efficiency and humanitarian aid, it's also true that his policies as Secretary of Commerce were not significantly concerned with foreign affairs, focusing more on domestic economic issues.
As for his response to economic policies, before the presidency, Hoover was seen as a capable administrator during a time of prosperity. However, criticism arises from his time as president, where his response to the Great Depression was seen as insufficient. He held a philosophy of 'American individualism' and was reluctant to initiate substantial government intervention to mitigate the effects of the economic downturn.