Presidents are generally thought to have advantages over Congress in conducting foreign policy because of the formal and informal powers of the presidency. Identify two formal constitutional powers of the President in making foreign policy.

The executive branch conducts diplomacy on an every-day basis. Example one. At the request of the secretary of state, a president approves breaking diplomatic relations with another country. It is announced by lower-rank officials, but such a decision must be approved by the White House.

Example two. Besides having the capacity to sign treaties with foreign nations (which demands ratification by the Senate, nonetheless), the president is entitled to represent the state abroad and in all international fora without requring special permission from Congress.