Domestic & Foreign Policy

1. Challenges & Controversies

1.1. Balancing Interests – Conflicts between national and international priorities.

1.2. Economic Impacts – Policies can affect inflation, trade deficits, and economic growth.

1.3. Human Rights & Ethics – Debates over intervention in foreign conflicts and refugee policies.

2. Definition & Purpose

2.1. Domestic Policy – Government decisions that impact the country’s internal affairs, such as education and healthcare.

2.2. Foreign Policy – Strategies used to interact with other countries through trade, diplomacy, and military actions.

2.3. Goal – Maintain national stability and protect interests globally.

3. Key Areas of Domestic Policy

3.1. Economic Policy – Covers taxation, government spending, and employment.

3.2. Social Policy – Includes healthcare, education, and social welfare programs.

3.3. Law & Order – Enforces regulations, criminal justice, and public safety.

4. Key Areas of Foreign Policy

4.1. Diplomacy – Negotiating treaties, alliances, and international agreements.

4.2. National Security – Military strategy, intelligence, and counterterrorism.

5. Influencing Factors

5.1. Government Leadership – Presidents, prime ministers, and policymakers shape decisions.

5.2. Public Opinion – Citizens’ views can impact policy direction.

5.3. Global Events – Wars, economic crises, and international conflicts influence policies.

6. Examples of Policies

6.1. Domestic Example – The Affordable Care Act (healthcare reform in the U.S.).

6.2. Foreign Example – NATO alliance for defense cooperation.

6.3. Trade Policy – Tariffs and trade agreements like NAFTA or the USMCA.