Congress
military weapons
Diplomacy.
Under Article II of the Constitution, the President is granted the power to deal with foreign affairs: this can be entering and discussing treaties, policy decisions, meetings with foreign heads of state, and executive agreements. However, treaties that the President enters into must be approved by Congress (2/3)--these are called congressional executive agreements, and they can be ex-ante or ex-post. Further, Congress can delegate certain elements of its own powers, such as law-making, if it is deemed to be closely connected with the President's goals of foreign policy.
Executive agreements exemplify presidential freedom of action as they allow the President to engage in international agreements without needing Senate approval, unlike treaties. This power enables the President to respond swiftly to foreign policy needs and secure alliances or trade agreements efficiently. By bypassing the often lengthy treaty ratification process, executive agreements demonstrate the executive branch's ability to act independently and decisively in international relations. However, this also raises questions about the limits of presidential authority and transparency in foreign policy decision-making.
The President.
The President.
The implied powers of the president in foreign policy making is the draft. Abraham Lincoln implemented the draft during the civil war.
One of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt's first foreign policy initiatives was to send a representative to Geneva Switzerland, to visit with the League of Nations. Roosevelt wanted to convey his positive response should there be any international arms reduction agreements. He also made it known if other peaceful nations had identified an aggressor nation and sought to used armed force against such a nation, the US would not impede the use of such armed force. This was a delicately worded policy statement to involve the US in any international peace agreements. Roosevelt was making this initiative without consulting the US Congress, and with the full knowledge of the US's reluctance to become involved at all in what he had suggested.
The President cannot unilaterally declare war without the consent of Congress. The President has to present evidence to Congress that a war would be necessary and legal. Thus Congress acts to check the President's power.
The president has several advantages over Congress in conducting foreign policy, including the ability to act quickly and decisively without waiting for legislative approval, which is crucial in urgent situations. The president also has access to extensive intelligence and diplomatic resources, allowing for informed decision-making. Additionally, the president can negotiate treaties and engage with foreign leaders directly, while Congress's role is often more reactive. Finally, the president can leverage the power of executive agreements, which do not require Senate ratification, to implement foreign policy initiatives more swiftly.
The CIA assists the president in foreign policy by providing critical intelligence and analysis that inform decision-making. It conducts covert operations to advance U.S. interests abroad and gather information on foreign threats and opportunities. Additionally, the CIA helps assess the capabilities and intentions of other nations, allowing the president to craft informed strategies and responses in international relations. This support ensures that U.S. foreign policy is based on accurate and timely information.
Alfred John Schweppe has written: 'Treaties and executive agreements' -- subject(s): Executive agreements, Foreign relations, International and municipal law, Treaty-making power