Diplomatic and Military Powers Chapter 14 – Section 3 Diplomatic and Military Powers

The Power to Make Treaties A Treaty is a formal agreement between two or more sovereign states. The President negotiates these international agreements The Senate gives its approval with a 2/3 vote.

The Power to Make Treaties Presidents Tyler and McKinley encouraged Congress to pass a joint resolution to annex territory after the approval of the treaty had been defeated in the Senate.

Executive Agreements An Executive Agreement is a pact between the President and the head of a foreign state. It does not require Senate approval

The Power of Recognition The President acknowledges the legal existence of that country and its government. Prompt recognition of a country or its government may guarantee its existence.

The Power of Recognition Displeasure with another country’s conduct may lead to the President recalling their ambassador. The most serious diplomatic rebuke is the recall of recognition. Persona non Grata- This just means “ an unwelcome person”

Commander in Chief The President dominates the field of military policy. The President has the final authority over and responsibility for all military matters.

Thomas Jefferson & James Madison (1800s) Making Undeclared War Technically, the Constitution doesn’t give the President the power to declare war… But Presidents have often used the armed forces abroad without a declaration of war. John Adams (1798) Thomas Jefferson & James Madison (1800s) * Just To Name A Few*

Congressional Resolutions Congress hasn’t officially declared war since WWII. Instead Congress enacts a joint resolution to authorize the President to use military force to meet international crisis.

Congressional Resolutions 1955 – Dwight Eisenhower 1957- Dwight Eisenhower 1962- John F. Kennedy 1964 – Lyndon Johnson 1991- George H.W. Bush 2001 – George W. Bush 2002 – George W. Bush

Other Uses of Military Power There have been situations in which the President has deployed the nation’s armed forces without a Congressional Resolution. Presidents that have used this power are Reagan Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton.

The War Powers Resolution The President’s powers as Commander in Chief are almost unlimited; especially during time of war. The War Powers Resolution was passed in 1973 to limit the President’s war-making powers in response to the Vietnam War.

The War Powers Resolution The Resolution’s Provisions include: The President must report to Congress within 48 Hours of committing American forces This commitment of American forces can’t last longer than 60 days without extension from Congress Congress may end this at any time.