The Presidency in Action

Diplomatic and Military Powers Section 3 Diplomatic and Military Powers

Chief Diplomat Treaties – President makes formal agreements with other nations Advice and Consent of the Senate Have same legal standing as laws Executive Agreements – Agreements between the President and other heads of state. Do not require Senate consent and do not supersede federal laws – but do have force of law.

Diplomatic Recognition Acknowledging the existence of another sovereign nation Usually carried out through the exchange of diplomats Powerful political tool – can guarantee the success or failure of another nation. President can recall diplomats or declare diplomat persona non grata Most severe example of diplomatic rebuke Often a step toward war.

Commander in Chief President has final authority over and responsibility for all military matters Often leaves much of the day to day operation up to subordinates, but doesn’t have to. Undeclared Wars Most U.S. Presidents have engaged U.S. troops in battle without declaration of war. Barbary Wars (1801) – Libya (2012) Congress has not declared war since WWII War Powers Resolution (1973)