ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the functions and powers of the US Congress as they relate to foreign political and economic policy and to defense policy. It considers the evolution of the relationship between the Congress and the executive branch in these policy areas and the process by which Congress carries out its responsibilities. The Constitution provides only the most sketchy of guides to the respective powers of the Congress and the president in foreign relations, trade, and defense. There are many tools by which Congress influences the making of US foreign and defense policy, including legislation, hearings, oversight functions, informal consultations, treaty approval, and the legislative veto. The requirement that the Senate must approve a treaty by a two-thirds vote acts, in a sense, as a form of legislative veto. Aside from the visible work of Congress—legislation, hearings, and reports—there are daily consultations between members of Congress and the executive branch on all matters of foreign policy, trade policy, and defense.
