Final answer:
Foreign policy leaders tend to be more actively involved in international affairs than the public. Congress members focus more on domestic issues due to voter interests and re-election strategies, making them less active on foreign policy unless a crisis arises.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Foreign Policy Involvement
Foreign policy leaders are generally more active and knowledgeable in international matters than the general public, as their positions require a comprehensive understanding of global affairs and diplomatic relations. Members of the public, on the other hand, are more focused on domestic issues that affect their daily lives. Politicians and policy specialists are assumed to be opinion leaders, shaping public perception on complex political issues as noted by journalist Walter Lippmann. Hence, politicians, including members of Congress, primarily focus on domestic policy out of necessity and re-election strategy, given that domestic issues resonate more with voters as per public opinion polls. Foreign policy initiatives, while crucial, often take a back seat in legislative agendas unless a crisis elevates their importance.
House members and senators tend to be less active on foreign policy matters compared to domestic ones primarily because constituents are more directly affected by domestic policy topics than foreign ones. This is directly related to the fact that domestic issues, such as the economy and healthcare, are more tangible to the daily lives of voters, influencing their voting decisions significantly more than foreign policy decisions.