**Title: The Dynamics of U.S. Foreign Policy: Presidential Powers and Limitations**
**Synopsis:**
This lesson explored the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing the balance of powers between the executive and legislative branches. The discussion delved into historical cases to illustrate how presidential powers have evolved and the implications for policy-making. The objectives were to understand the roles, advantages, and potential pitfalls of presidential authorities in foreign affairs.
**Attendance:**
– No students were mentioned as absent in the transcript.
**Topics Covered:**
1. Housekeeping reminders about reflection paper deadlines and citation requirements.
2. Discussion on the role of a U.S. policymaker and the expectations for the reflection assignment.
3. Transition from historical U.S. foreign policy to the mechanisms of its creation.
4. Misconception about government as a singular entity and the importance of institutional mechanisms.
5. Review of the Founding Fathers’ intentions and the separation of powers.
6. Detailed exploration of presidential powers and their historical context.
7. Advantages of presidential powers: agility and decisiveness, united representation, and policy continuity.
8. Disadvantages of presidential powers: congressional oversight conflict, bureaucratic resistance, public opinion and media scrutiny, and judicial review.
9. Group activity to identify historical events that illustrate the advantages of presidential powers.
**Actionable Items:**
– Ensure reflection papers are submitted on time with proper citations.
– Prepare for grading and provide feedback on reflection papers.
– Address any lingering student questions regarding the reflection paper assignment.
– Further discussion on the limitations of presidential powers in the next class.
– Ensure students complete the assigned reading on presidential powers before the next session.
**Homework:**
– Students are to read the provided PDF on e-course that focuses on the limitations of presidential powers and come prepared for the next class discussion.