Congress plays a very important role in how the U.S. interacts with other countries. Let's break down some of the main ways they do this:
Making Laws: Congress can create laws that affect how the U.S. relates to other countries. This includes things like trade deals, penalties on other nations, and military spending. For instance, if Congress decides to add extra taxes on imports (called tariffs), it can change how the U.S. does business with other countries.
Holding the Purse Strings: Congress controls the money. They decide how much funding goes to foreign aid, military actions, and international groups. Without Congress's approval for spending, the president may face problems in carrying out plans for foreign policy.
Watching Over Actions: Congress has the power to keep an eye on the president and their decisions. They can hold hearings and look into issues related to foreign policy to ensure everything is done properly. This helps stop any misuse of power by the president or the State Department.
Giving Advice and Consent: The Senate has a special job to approve treaties and choose ambassadors. This means that no treaty can go into effect without the Senate saying yes, showing just how important Congress is in these discussions.
Voicing the People’s Opinions: Congress members listen to the views of the people they represent. This feedback can shape national policies and ensure they reflect what Americans want.
In the end, while the president often gets a lot of attention in foreign affairs, Congress plays an essential role in making and guiding these policies. They are crucial in how the U.S. interacts with the world.
Congress plays a very important role in how the U.S. interacts with other countries. Let's break down some of the main ways they do this:
Making Laws: Congress can create laws that affect how the U.S. relates to other countries. This includes things like trade deals, penalties on other nations, and military spending. For instance, if Congress decides to add extra taxes on imports (called tariffs), it can change how the U.S. does business with other countries.
Holding the Purse Strings: Congress controls the money. They decide how much funding goes to foreign aid, military actions, and international groups. Without Congress's approval for spending, the president may face problems in carrying out plans for foreign policy.
Watching Over Actions: Congress has the power to keep an eye on the president and their decisions. They can hold hearings and look into issues related to foreign policy to ensure everything is done properly. This helps stop any misuse of power by the president or the State Department.
Giving Advice and Consent: The Senate has a special job to approve treaties and choose ambassadors. This means that no treaty can go into effect without the Senate saying yes, showing just how important Congress is in these discussions.
Voicing the People’s Opinions: Congress members listen to the views of the people they represent. This feedback can shape national policies and ensure they reflect what Americans want.
In the end, while the president often gets a lot of attention in foreign affairs, Congress plays an essential role in making and guiding these policies. They are crucial in how the U.S. interacts with the world.