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Learn the Basics of U.S. Foreign Policy History, Creation, and Implementation

By , About.com Guide

Fundamental background on the history, creation, and implementation of U.S. foreign policy. Topics covered include, who makes U.S. foreign policy, the role of the president, the role of the U.S. State Department, and the role of Congress.
  1. Who Makes U.S. Foreign Policy?
  2. The President
  3. The U.S. State Department
  1. The United States Congress
  2. US Citizens
  3. Historical Foreign Policy Measures

Who Makes U.S. Foreign Policy?

The Constitution of the United States doesn't say anything about "foreign policy," but it does make clear who is in charge of America's official relationship with the rest of the world. Here is a very basic primer on the structure of U.S. foreign policy making.

    The President

    Marine One in front of the White House

    The President of the United States has a number of advisers who are key to making U.S. foreign policy. These include the Secretary of State, other cabinet members, the National Security Council, and more.

    The U.S. State Department

    Seal of the U.S. State Department

    The U.S. State Department is the lead government agency for developing and implementing foreign policy. In most countries, this agency would be know as the "foreign ministry."

    The United States Congress

    President Bush, Congress, and U.S. Foreign Policy

    Congress controls the purse strings, so they have a lot of influence over all kinds of federal issues - including foreign policy. Most important is the oversight role played by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House International Relations Committee.

    US Citizens

    American flag face paint on little boy.

    Can private citizens have an impact on U.S. foreign policy? Of course. The ballot box is one direct route, but there are other ways to make your voice heard.

    Historical Foreign Policy Measures

    Obviously, the United States has more than 235 years of foreign policy measures. Here is an ongoing look at historical US policies.

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