Question

What are the main foreign policy powers, both formal and informal, of Congress?

Answer 1

Formal Power

Ome formal power granted to the president is that of military forces commander in leader such as the ARMY, NAVY, and the U.S. Air Force. The President is the supreme voice on strategic affairs and essentially is responsible for all of the United States' military strength. I have always felt that this was one of the most appropriate powers for the president, as it provides the armed forces with a single individual to unite under.

The right to veto legislation enacted by Congress will be another formal authority granted to the President. Although the president's veto may be overridden by a 2/3 vote of both chambers, the president's threat of a veto persuades the congress to recognize the political criticism or assistance it may get from the executive branch when passing divisive laws, essentially inserting the executive branch into the mechanism of law making.

Two other specific powers granted to the president include the right to make government appointments and sign treaties with foreign countries. While these powers also include the senate's consent, they significantly strengthen the presidential office's authority and legitimize the office among foreign nations that already have a single, strong leading figure of government. The President is responsible for making many nominations, the most important of which is his cabinet and federal judges.

Informal powers

In addition to the Constitution's formal powers provided by the governments, the President also has various indirect rights including the authority to enforce a legislative plan, executive orders, calling out troops without a war declaration, and implementing foreign policy programs. Unlike the formal powers given to the President, the informal powers of the President are not explicitly laid down in the Constitution, which is why the so-called informal title

These powers are similar to Congress' "necessary and proper" powers, because they are both used in situations that involve unique circumstances. The powers contained in the Constitution were intended to be used regularly and without conflict, while the informal powers are only inferred from the Constitution and are not generally to be used regularly.