Question

Name:

Negotiates and signs

As Commander-in-Chief, can send
troops around the world

Makes recommendations on and
signs or vetoes bills into law.

Declares war

Foreign Aid

Foreign Policy
C. Who does what? The Constitution, the rulebook for the government, says who has which foreign
policy powers. Using your notes, see if you can figure out who is responsible for which power and write
them in the correct places in the chart bellows.

2/3's of the Senate must approve

Writes and passes bills

Military

Treaties

President

Congress

Answer 1

Here’s how those foreign-policy powers are divided under the Constitution. Items that involve both branches are noted.

President
- Negotiates and signs treaties (but treaties require Senate approval)
- As Commander‑in‑Chief: can send troops around the world (runs the military)
- Makes recommendations on bills and signs or vetoes bills into law
- Leads U.S. foreign policy

Congress (Congress/Senate)
- Declares war (Congress)
- 2/3 of the Senate must approve treaties (Senate power)
- Writes and passes bills (both chambers of Congress)
- Foreign aid — Congress controls the purse (appropriates funds and authorizes spending)

Notes on shared powers
- Treaties: President negotiates and signs; the Senate must approve by a 2/3 vote.
- Military: President commands the armed forces; Congress funds the military, raises armies, and can declare war.
- Foreign aid: President proposes and implements policy; Congress must approve and appropriate the money.