
Congress is a representative body at the federal level, legislative functions. The Constitution recognizes him legally first place in the federal government. That Congress in doctrine, policy and practice of law recognized authority who represents the United States. This is evidenced by the fact that his powers are crucial for the distribution of competence between the Union and the States, but when considering the Supreme Court cases in which the Party Congress, the party called the United States. And what interesting, the U.S. Constitution rather modestly characterizes the role of Congress in the exercise of legislative power, leaving him no legal federal power in general, but the "legislative authority" established by the Constitution. Such a cautious formula motivated by a desire to avoid skewing the power of the legislature and its branches, which was important for the early period of U.S. history: the parliament was considered the most powerful organ of the state. This implies the desire of the founding fathers to limit its power. Traditionally it is considered that the Congress does not equal compared with the President of the functions in the sphere of foreign policy. Meanwhile, the Constitution empowers the legislature important powers in the process of foreign and military affairs. Congress may adopt rules governing the activities of the armed forces, commerce with foreign nations, recruit and retain the army, navy, provide the order calling the police to ensure the reflection attacks. Congress vested the exclusive right to declare war. An additional source of control of Congress over foreign policy is in favor of his authority to make a budget. Although the President and the Senate have the exclusive competence to conclude treaties, the requirement of funds for implementation of the agreements, increasingly involve the House of Representatives in this process. To influence the policy of the Congress is widely exercised its right to conduct investigations. Advantages of the activity Congress cannot be ignored; exaggerate flaws such participation is also not worth it. Many believe that the activity of Congress is often manifested in solving real problems and produced the desired results. At times, Congress had modest success in shaping foreign policy through the adoption procedure. Through non-legislative measures: diplomacy, consultations, legislative and executive branches and the formation of public opinion and elites, members of Congress can influence the nature of foreign policy. Using the media to create conditions for the debate remains one of the most powerful tools to influence Congress on foreign policy.