The War Powers Act

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the War Powers Act states that the president as the commander-in-chief has the power to introduce the armed forces into any hostilities or into an imminent introduction to hostilities; however, these powers must be exercised by the president only under certain specific circumstances, such as a terrorist attack. The author points out that the president is restricted by the War Powers Act because the president is not able to use military force without the proper congressional authority and other similar authorizations. The paper concludes that, although at times the president is indeed checked by the War Powers Act, for the most part, he is free to make emergency decisions for the welfare of the country.

From the Paper:

"Although it is also a fact that the Act as such dose not impose restrictions on the President with regard to authorizing military deployment in trouble ridden areas, and so on, the War Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. && 1541-1548 as such, has no purpose nor does it have the effect of modifying or changing the president's already existing powers. It does, however, impose certain restrictions with regard to procedure, that is, when issues of consultation and the presidential reporting of certain actions come into the picture. In fact, the War Powers Resolution also gives the President the power to terminate armed forces that have been deployed in foreign lands, but with the concurrent resolution of the Congress."

More papers on The War Powers Act:

• Essay # 85164 : "The War Powers Act"
• Term Paper # 92170 : "The War Powers Act of 1973"
• Analytical Essay # 217 : "The War Powers Act: An Analysis of Legislative Inanity"

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