Final answer:
The president exercises formal and informal powers over foreign policy. They have authority as commander-in-chief, negotiator of international agreements, and chief diplomat. Congress can check the president's power through oversight, amendments, and constitutional powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The president exercises both formal and informal powers in the realm of foreign policy. The formal power of the president lies in their role as commander-in-chief of the military, the authority to negotiate international agreements and treaties (with Senate approval), and their ability to appoint executive officials and ambassadors. Informal powers, on the other hand, involve persuasion and negotiation, such as making executive agreements with foreign governments without Senate approval.
One reason the president enjoys significant authority over foreign policy is because of their role as the chief diplomat and head of state. As the representative of the nation to other world leaders, the president is viewed as the voice and face of the country, which gives them a position of influence in shaping and implementing foreign policy.
Congress has the power to check the president's power over military and foreign policy. They can exercise oversight by reviewing the president's actions, amending policies through legislation, and controlling the budgetary allocation for foreign policy initiatives. Congress also has the constitutional power to approve appointments, treaties, and declarations of war, placing a check on the president's authority in these areas.