Unit 9 Lesson 3 Foreign Policy Flashcards
Foreign policy
How a nation treats other nations is called foreign policy. It is a kind of blueprint for the way a nation deals with other nations of the world. U.S. foreign policy is this country’s actions, words, and beliefs towards other countries. Foreign policy involves economic, political and military issues. The way foreign policy is done is of major importance to the domestic and international concerns of a nation.
Domestic policy
Domestic policy is the set of laws and regulations that a government establishes within a nation’s borders.
Who does foreign policy
The United States Constitution divides foreign policy powers between the President and the Congress so that both share in the making of foreign policy. The executive and legislative branches each play important roles that are different but that often overlap. Both branches have continuing opportunities to initiate and change foreign policy. The interaction between them continues indefinitely throughout the life of a policy.
The President was given the task of dealing with foreign policy through the Constitution in Article II, Section 2.
Secretary of State
Early in the presidency of George Washington, the Cabinet position of Secretary of State was created. The Secretary of State (currently John Kerry) is the major adviser to the President about international relations.
Goals of US Foreign Policy
National Security – this is the nation’s # 1 goal. It involves using our military power, including all branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines), around the world. Congress is given the power to declare war, prohibit certain military actions, and spend or withhold money for defense.
International Trade – trade with other countries is vital for economic prosperity and to create markets for American products and jobs for our citizens.
Promoting World Peace – to ensure national security and trade.
Promoting Democracy Around the World – helps to protect basic human rights and encourages peace, which promotes our nation’s security.
Who appoints ambassadors?
The president is the chief diplomat and commander-in-chief. The president appoints ambassadors, who are official representatives of the U.S. government. We only send them to countries we recognize with legal governments. These appointments must be approved by the Senate.
Diplomacy
The President can also use diplomacy to reach out to other leaders, visit them in their countries, or invite them to the White House to discuss issues.
Treaty
The president can create a treaty, which is a formal agreement between the governments of two or more countries. The Senate must approve a treaty by 2/3 votes.
How a treaty can be bypassed by the President
However, the president can bypass a treaty with an executive agreement between the president and the leader of another country.
Foreign aid
Money, food, military assistance, or other supplies given to help other countries are examples of foreign aid.
Marshall Plan
The Marshall Plan is an excellent example of how foreign aid has been used in the past. It was an economic recovery plan designed by the United States in 1947 to assist with recovery efforts for Western Europe after World War II. The goal of the Marshall Plan was to promote democratic systems and stop the spread of communism.
Controversy over foreign aid
There is controversy in providing aid to other countries, including how much to spend, where to spend it and whether it should be spent at home, in the U.S.
Trade sanctions
The President may also punish another country with trade sanctions, which are barriers to trading
Tariff
extra tax on imported goods
Embargo
An embargo is an agreement among a group of nations that prohibits them all from trading with a target nation.
