Who makes and carries out foreign policy?

The President, the nation’s chief diplomat and commander in chief of its armed forces, has traditionally carried the major responsibility for both the making and enforcing foreign policy.

The State Department The State Department is headed by the secretary of state, who ranks first among the members of the President’s Cabinet. An ambassador is a personal representative appointed by the President to represent the nation in matters of diplomacy. Rex Tillerson

The State Department The State Department issues passports, certificates issued to citizens who travel or live abroad. Travel Visas are issued to citizens of other countries wishing to come to the U.S. Diplomatic immunity is usually applied to ambassadors and means that they are not subject to the laws of state to which they are accredited.

Department of Defense Headed by the Secretary of Defense Responsible for advising the President on military matters and implementing military policy. Oversees the military departments James “Mad Dog” Mattis

The Defense Department

Department of Homeland Security Headed by Secretary of Homeland Security The Department coordinates intelligence from many different sources. Advises the President on threats to the U.S. and enforces policies Operates both home and abroad John Kelly

Central Intelligence Agency Coordinate information gathering from outside the country Analyze and evaluate data To advise the President on issues of national security and events in foreign nations Cover the full range of espionage

The Role of Congress Senate must approve presidential appointments Senate must ratify treaties Only Congress can declare war The War Powers Act limits the President Congress controls the budget