Random Fact of the Day  The 2008 presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, were the only two presidential candidates to be born outside of the continental U.S. Obama was born in Hawaii, and McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone, a U.S. naval base Hawaii

Chapter 7, Section 3 Making Foreign Policy

Main Idea In attempting to achieve the nation’s foreign policy goals, both the president and Congress have important roles to play. In attempting to achieve the nation’s foreign policy goals, both the president and Congress have important roles to play.

I. The President and Foreign Policy A. Foreign policy is the nation’s overall plan for dealing with other nations. A. Foreign policy is the nation’s overall plan for dealing with other nations. 4 Goals: 4 Goals: 1. National Security- the ability to keep the country safe from attack or harm. 1. National Security- the ability to keep the country safe from attack or harm.

2. International Trade. Create markets for American products and create jobs for U.S. workers. 3. Promoting world peace. Even distant wars can disrupt trade and endanger U.S. national security.

4. Promote democracy and human rights for the world.

B. The executive branch includes a large foreign policy bureaucracy. Including the State Department, Department of Defense, CIA, and National Security Council.

C. The president and Congress share power to conduct foreign affairs. 1. The president is chief diplomat and commander in chief. 2. Congress has the power to declare war, prohibit certain military actions, and spend or withhold money for defense.

***The Constitution does not make clear how the branches can use their power. As a result, the branches compete for control of foreign policy.***

Tools of Foreign Policy 1) Treaties- Formal agreements between the governments of two or more countries. ***The Senate must approve a treaty by two-thirds vote. President can make an executive agreement with a leader from another country without Senate approval. (2/3 rds majority)***

2. Ambassador- official representative of a country’s government. ***President appoints Ambassadors, with Senate approval***. 3. U.S. gives foreign aid in the form of money, food, military asst, and other supplies.

4. International Trade: The president makes agreements with other countries about trade. a. Trade Sanctions- efforts to punish another country b. Embargo- agreement among nations that prohibits all from trading with one target nation.

D. Congress takes the lead in imposing tariffs on imported goods. One such trade group is NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).

5. Military Force: Presidents may use military to carry out some foreign policy decisions. ***They can employ troops, launch missile attacks. This tool must be used with care!***

Mini Quiz!!! Alterbridge- Open Your Eyes 1. A formal agreement between two countries? 2. What are trade sanctions? 3. The ability to protect the country from harm? 4. What are some things the U.S. does for other countries in regard to foreign aid? 5. What is NAFTA?