Final answer:
Interest groups engage in policy advocacy, Congress is involved in both policy formulation and implementation, and the executive branch formulates and implements policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The various actors in the foreign policy establishment can be categorized into three main groups:
- Interest Groups: Interest groups are primarily involved in policy advocacy. They work to influence and shape foreign policy by providing information, lobbying lawmakers, and mobilizing public opinion.
- Congress: Congress plays a crucial role in both policy formulation and policy implementation. Committee chairs and members of relevant committees hold hearings, consider budget authorizations, and debate the future of U.S. foreign policy. They work alongside the executive branch to shape and carry out foreign policy.
- Executive Branch: The executive branch, led by the president, is responsible for policy formulation and policy implementation. This includes recognizing countries, making treaties, receiving ambassadors, and overseeing the military. The State Department, Defense Department, and other agencies within the executive branch play a significant role in the execution of foreign policy.