Materials

• Class notes

Instructional Activities

1. Ask students to respond to the following question:
   • Under what conditions should the United States become involved in foreign countries, and what type of involvement should it be?
   
   
2. After the students have had sufficient time to respond, ask them to share their responses with the class. Conduct a discussion focusing on the responses. Encourage students to discuss locations where the United States is currently involved. Ask students why the United States becomes involved in foreign affairs.
   
   NOTE: Be sensitive to students in the classroom who may have family members serving in locations around the world. Some students may be very vocal about U.S. involvement overseas. Remind students to be considerate of others when expressing their opinions.
   
   
3. Ask students to answer the following questions in writing and then discuss their responses:
   •Who in the United States has to power to declare war?
   •Who is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces?
   •What role do United States ambassadors serve?
   •Who has the power to confirm ambassadors?
   •Who has the power to ratify and interpret treaties?
   •Identify the key agencies in the United States government responsible for administering foreign policy.
   
   
4. When discussing the responses, make sure that students address the correct information from the Essential Knowledge in Standard GOVT.12a.
   
   
5. Display the following notes on the board or overhead:
   •Public opinion, special interests, international organizations, and foreign countries influence foreign policy and national security issues.
   •Conventional diplomacy, foreign aid, economic sanctions, and military intervention abroad serve to protect American interests and promote national security.
   
   
6. Assign a teacher-selected reading, worksheet, or other re-enforcement activity using available teacher resources.