What doctrine allows the President to act to protect national interests?

The doctrine of inherent powers is correct because it refers to the powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary for the President to fulfill their role as the leader of the Executive Branch and protect national interests. This doctrine supports the idea that the President possesses certain powers by virtue of being the head of state and government, which are essential for dealing with unforeseeable national issues and emergencies.

This inherent authority allows the President to take actions that may not be explicitly outlined in the Constitution, particularly in matters of foreign affairs and national security, where swift decision-making can be crucial. It acknowledges the dynamic nature of governance, especially concerning areas where prompt executive action may be needed to safeguard the country.

In contrast, the doctrine of implied powers relates to powers that are not specifically enumerated but are considered necessary to execute the powers that are. While relevant, it does not emphasize the role of the President as much as the inherent powers do. Administrative authority typically refers to the powers that allow for efficient administration within the executive branch rather than national interests specifically. Finally, executive privilege involves the right of the President to keep certain communications private but does not directly pertain to the action taken to protect national interests.