This report summarizes the role of the U.S. Congress in relation to: (1) foreign policy; (2) defense policy; and (3) the War Powers Act of 1973. An overview of the growth of Congress' involvement and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government in policy development in these areas since the 1950s is highlighted. The report concludes that, while constitutional and theoretical debate continues about the meaning of the War Powers Act, the act probably was an ineffective Congressional attempt to control war-making powers. Scholarly research is needed concerning Congress's role in or relationship to: (1) fiscal budgeting; (2) public perceptions of Congressional responsibility; (3) constituency opinion; (4) interest group influence; and (5) structural, strategic, and crisis foreign and defense policies and programs. A 67-item bibliography is included. (JHP)