The Presidency

1. The Presidency Chapters 14- The Growth of Presidential Power US Foreign Policy

2. 14.3 Domestic vs. Foreign policy iCivics lesson… Domestic – involving mostly issues within the US Foreign – involving issues dealing with other countries

3. U.S. Foreign Policy-…is this country’s actions, words, & beliefs towards other countries • Most often, the President & executive branch initiate our foreign policy responses to world events & work with the legislative branch.

4. US Foreign Policy- Goals The main goals of our foreign policy are to: Protect America & Americans Support economic growth & human rights around the world Increase support for American values like democracy & freedom

5. Foreign Aid……is the help or assistance that we give to other countries, usually through our Department of State.

6. Types of Foreign Aid… • …Foreign aid comes in many forms. The most common are • Economic, like money • Military, like soldiers helping after a disaster • Advice, like how to create a democracy

7. Military… • …is this country’s troops, led by our President who is called the Commander –in-Chief. • The main goal of the military is to prevent war & protect the United States • The Department of Defense is made up of the following active groups: • Army • Navy • Air force • Marines

8. Treaties… …are formal agreements between countries that, like laws, must be followed. The President is responsible for negotiating & signing treaties. All treaties must be approved by 2/3s of the Senate. An example: Countries form an alliance through signing a treaty. This treaty says that if one of the countries is attacked, the others will step in to protect each other.

9. Other Presidential actions in Foreign policy… • Executive agreements – pact between the President & the head of another nation • Are NOT approved by the Senate but have the same standing as treaties • Cannot violate US law or other treaties • Only continue to exist if new President also applies it • Power of Recognition – acknowledges the legal existence of a country • Typically leads to embassies, etc • Does NOT necessarily mean we agree with them on everything • Persona non grata – when a diplomat is no longer welcome

10. President & Military powers • Undeclared wars – President has the power to send in combat troops when he deems it necessary • Korea, Vietnam, to some degree Iraq & Afghanistan (“war on terrorism”) • Congressional resolutions – when Congress authorizes the use of force but does not declare war • War Powers Resolution, 1973 • if President sends in combat troops after an attack has happened • President MUST tell Congress within 48 hours • May only keep troops there for max. 60 days unless Congress authorizes longer

11. President’s Judicial powers • Can grant reprieves – postponement of the sentence • Can grant pardons – legal forgiveness of a crime • Power is absolute except for impeachments • Usually granted after the conviction • Must be accepted by the person receiving it • Pardons can include conditions, commutation, or amnesty

12. 14.4 President’s Legislative powers • Recommending legislation • “message power” – minimum of 3 times a year: State of the Union, budget message, & Economic Report • Veto power & even threat of veto • NOT line-item veto • Signing statements – issued to either challenge Constitutionality of some laws or to explain the enforcement or not of other • Power to call Special Sessions of Congress • Rarely used not that Congress meets so often