StudySpace: We the People ed. 6

Congress: Role in Foreign Policy

What is the role of Congress in foreign policy? You will analyze the War Powers Resolution, passed by Congress in 1973 and how it applies to the Iraq War. Does Congress fulfill their duty in the checks and balances system? How much of a role does Congress play in our foreign policies and why?

Go to http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/warpower.htm and read the 2nd paragraph in CONGRESSIONAL ACTION (section 5, paragraph ‘b’).

1. Based on the language in the War Powers Resolution (specifically Section 5b), why could one argue that President Bush did NOT need permission to attack Iraq, but needed permission to maintain a long-term occupation?
   
   

2. Do you think the framers would have wanted Congress to challenge the President on the benefits of invading another country?
   
   

3. Do you think the timing of the debate in Congress (in September 2002) can explain why Democrats and Republicans in Congress offered so little resistance?
   
   

4. Read the comments made by members of Congress (specifically Senators Hagel and Lugar) in this Christian Science Monitor article.  Given what we know of the aftermath of the invasion, do you think Congress fulfilled its oversight responsibilities before the war?
   
   

5. How does this example illustrate the benefits of checks and balances in foreign policy? Why was Congress so reluctant to challenge President Bush in 2002 and 2003, but more willing to challenge him now?