The President's authority as chief diplomat primarily derives from which type of power?

The President's authority as chief diplomat primarily derives from delegated powers. Delegated powers are those that are specifically granted to the President by the Constitution or by acts of Congress. In the context of foreign affairs, the Constitution provides the President with the authority to negotiate treaties, appoint ambassadors, and conduct diplomacy with other nations, all of which are crucial to the role of chief diplomat.

The Founding Fathers recognized the need for a strong executive to manage foreign relations and thus outlined these powers in the Constitution. While informal powers also play a significant role in the President's ability to influence foreign policy, particularly through executive agreements or the use of the media, the primary source of the President's diplomatic authority is grounded in the formal, delegated powers as established in the Constitution. This distinction underscores the legal basis for the President's role and responsibilities in international relations.