Read the scenario. An American journalist is being held in a foreign prison. The president is meeting with their administration to determine what to do. The president says, "I approve the use of $500,000 in defense funds to secure the release of the journalist and to ensure their safe return to the United States.” Is the president able to make this declaration?
Answer
A
Yes, aside from declaring war, the president makes all policy decisions.
B
No, the president is only able to negotiate treaties.
C
Yes, as commander in chief, the president has the ultimate decision-making power.
D
No, Congress needs to vote on foreign-policy spending.
Explanation
The president directs foreign policy and serves as commander in chief, but Congress controls federal spending. The president cannot independently authorize $500,000 in defense funds unless Congress has appropriated those funds for that purpose. So Congress needs to approve the spending; being commander in chief does not give the president unlimited spending authority.
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