of their actions.Opinions are easier to gauge in domestic affairs, because there is a stable structure of interest groups that covers virtually all matters of concern. In foreign policy matters the interest group structure is weak, unstable, and thin rather than dense. While ephemeral groups arise from time to time to support or protest particular policies, they usually disappear when the immediate problem is resolved. They are most effective when most narrowly and intensely focused. But their relatively small numbers limits their significance to presidents in the vastly more important general foreign policy picture.The fact that ther are numerous Defense policies and situations competing for a presidents attention means that it is worthwhile to organize political activity in order to affect his agenda. A president may be compelled to reconsider a problem even though he could not overtly be force to alter the prevailing policy. If presidents are convinced that the current policy is best, the likelihood of gaining sufficient force to compel a change is quiete small. The man who can build foreign policies will find presidents beating a path to his door....
