Foreign Policy In the United States
Foreign Policy Definition A country’s actions, words, beliefs towards or about other countries is known as foreign policy
Main goals of foreign policy Protect US & Americans Support economic growth & human rights Increase support of values like democracy and freedom
Key Players in developing foreign policy President & his Cabinet/Executive branch initiate policy (i.e. President Trump signs EO placing restrictions on immigration from certain countries) Legislative branch writes laws to support policy
Foreign Aid Definition: help or assistance through Department of State Main goals Create friendship abroad and foster future partners Assist countries through financial aid to keep them secure/safer Forms of foreign aid Economic (dollars) Military (send troops to area in need) Advice (advisors sent to government of foreign countries)
Military Definition: country’s troops, led by the Commander in Chief (the President) Main goals: Prevent war Protect US Active groups Army Navy Air Force Marines (part of the Navy) Coast Guard (technically no longer a branch of the military and is instead a part of the Department of Homeland Security)
Treaties Definition: formal agreement between countries Who is involved? President = negotiates & signs treaties Senate = must approve by a 2/3 vote Without Senate support, the President can still create an executive agreement, which is similar to a treaty but does NOT have Congressional support Example: Treaty of Versailles after WW1, NAFTA (trade agreement)