U.S. Government Powers and Policies

The lecture covers the shared responsibilities of the President and Congress in foreign policy, highlighting key players like the Secretary of State and the National Security Council. It discusses the roles of intelligence agencies such as the CIA and NSA, the impact of public opinion, and the influence of interest groups and lobbyists. The lecture also examines Congress's role in foreign policy, including checks on presidential power.

Who has the power to declare war according to the system of checks and balances?

• Congress

• The Senate

• The President

• The House of Representatives

Which department is primarily responsible for assisting the President in foreign policy?

• Department of Defense

• Department of Commerce

• State Department

• Department of Homeland Security

Who was the Secretary of State before John Kerry?

• Condoleezza Rice

• Hillary Clinton

• Madeleine Albright

• Colin Powell

What is the primary role of the CIA?

• Domestic law enforcement

• Gathering and evaluating intelligence about other nations

• Overseeing military operations

• Managing international trade agreements

What controversial practice was the CIA involved in during the Bush administration?

• Cyber attacks

• Espionage

• Wiretapping

• Waterboarding

What was Eric Snowden's role in revealing government surveillance activities?

• He was a government official

• He was a journalist

• He was a contractor for the NSA

• He was a member of Congress

How does public opinion influence foreign policy decisions?

• It determines the President's foreign trips

• It has no impact

• It only affects domestic policy

• It can sway decisions on military actions

What is a think tank?

• A type of political party

• An organization that conducts research and influences policy

• A government agency

• A military strategy group

What power does Congress have over treaties?

• They can enforce treaties

• They can ratify treaties

• They can nullify treaties

• They can negotiate treaties

Which act was passed to limit the President's power to send troops into combat without Congressional approval?

• The Neutrality Act

• The War Powers Act

• The Patriot Act

• The Homeland Security Act