The Chaco War

It has been long established that the President has plenary powers when it comes to the foreign affairs of the nation. Wide latitude and power has been generally understood to be within the purview of the executive, as the Constitution is less than precise as to who exactly does what – other than advising and consenting on treaties. Like many things though, that was not always the case. For much of our history it was presumed – by the Presidents and the Courts – that Congress was supreme. Rare was the President who would act on foreign affairs without at least some input from Congress. But ninety years ago tomorrow, war started between Bolivia and Paraguay. While pretty much nobody outside of three South American countries knows much about (or cares about) this silly little war, the impact it had on the foreign affairs policy of the United States would be substantial and have reverberations right down to today…