First Lady Institution as Part of American Democracy

... increased and moved beyond performing protocol duties. Many factors affect the nature and scope of international activities of the First Lady. Among them are her personal traits (level of education, upbringing, and values), prestige within the country, personal ... ... House staff. Many First Ladies have taken an active interest in matters of foreign affairs. Their list is long : Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Elizabeth Monroe, Louisa Adams, Bess Truman, Ida McKinley, Lucy Hayes, Florence Harding, Nellie Taft, Edith Wilson,...