New USG Activity 3.4 Doc

USG 3.4 Document

This module has established a strong foundation for the role of the national government. Click Next to read a passage that will deepen your understanding of these concepts!

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Meet Alex, a high school student learning about how the national government shapes both domestic policy (decisions affecting life within the country) and foreign policy (actions involving other countries). Domestic Policy Alex starts with domestic policy, focusing on healthcare reform. He learns that domestic policy is crafted when the government needs to address issues that impact people’s daily lives. The executive branch proposes policies, like making healthcare more affordable, which Congress then debates, funds, and helps to turn into law. Agencies within the bureaucracy, like Health and Human Services, carry out these policies, making them real for citizens. Foreign Policy Next, Alex explores foreign policy, focusing on the President’s role in strengthening alliances and maintaining national defense. For instance, in working with NATO, the U.S. coordinates with other nations to ensure mutual security. While the President leads foreign policy, Congress plays a role by approving funding and ratifying treaties, providing checks and balances on executive power. Putting It Together Alex realizes that while domestic and foreign policies may seem separate, both are essential to keeping the country safe and strong. In cases like a global pandemic, the government has to balance domestic needs with international coordination, showing how interconnected these policies can be. Through his research, Alex gains a deeper understanding of how the government operates to address issues at home and abroad.