FOREIGN POLICY ROLES OF THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
June 1, 1999 |
| Report Number |
RL30193 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Richard F. Grimmett, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The United States Constitution divides the foreign policy powers between the President and
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, and the interaction between them continues
indefinitely throughout the life of a policy.
This report identifies and illustrates 12 basic ways to make U.S. foreign policy. The President
or the executive branch can make foreign policy through:
1) responses to foreign events
2) proposals for legislation
3) negotiation of international agreements
4) policy statements
5) policy implementation
6) independent action.
In nearly all of these circumstances, Congress can either support the President's approach or seek
to change it. In the case of independent Presidential action, it may be very difficult to change policy
in the short term; in the case of a legislative proposal by the executive branch or treaties and
international agreements submitted to the Senate or Congress for approval, Congress has a decisive
voice. In most cases Congress supports the President, but it often makes significant modifications
in his initiatives in the process of approving them.
Congress can make foreign policy through:
1) resolutions and policy statements
2) legislative directives
3) legislative pressure
4) legislative restrictions/funding denials
5) informal advice
6) congressional oversight.
In these circumstances, the executive branch can either support or seek to change congressional
policies as it interprets and carries out legislative directives and restrictions, and decides when and
whether to adopt proposals and advice.
The practices illustrated in this report indicate that making U.S. foreign policy is a complex
process, and the support of both branches is required for a strong and effective U.S. foreign policy.
