U.S. Presidential Military Powers

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 was enacted to limit the US president's ability to engage in military actions without Congress's approval. It arose from concerns over undeclared wars, such as the Vietnam War, and secret military actions like Nixon's bombing of Cambodia. The resolution requires the president to consult Congress before deploying troops, limits military actions to 60 days without Congress's approval, and mandates troop withdrawal if Congress directs. Despite its intent, presidents have often bypassed these requirements, leading to legal disputes and ongoing debates over executive and legislative powers.

What was the main purpose of the War Powers Resolution of 1973?

• To abolish the role of Commander-in-Chief

• To allow the president to declare war without Congress

• To prevent future presidents from engaging in undeclared wars

• To give Congress the power to command the military

Which U.S. president sent troops to Korea without a formal declaration of war?

• Harry Truman

• Richard Nixon

• Lyndon B. Johnson

• John F. Kennedy

What is one key requirement of the War Powers Resolution?

• The president must declare war within 30 days

• Congress must approve all military actions immediately

• The president can send troops for an unlimited time

• The president must consult Congress before sending troops overseas

How long can a president engage in hostile action without Congress's approval under the War Powers Resolution?

• 90 days

• 60 days plus a 30-day withdrawal

• Indefinitely

• 30 days

What was President Nixon's argument against the War Powers Resolution?

• It was unnecessary

• It gave too much power to the military

• It was unconstitutional

• It was too vague

What action did Congress take after President Nixon vetoed the War Powers Resolution?

• They took no further action

• They accepted the veto

• They overrode the veto

• They amended the Constitution

Which president deployed military advisors to El Salvador without notifying Congress?

• Ronald Reagan

• Bill Clinton

• George H. W. Bush

• Jimmy Carter

What was the outcome of the lawsuit filed against President Clinton for the Kosovo deployment?

• The court dismissed the case

• The court ruled in favor of Congress

• The court ruled in favor of the president

• The case was never filed

What is a continuing issue between the branches of government despite the War Powers Resolution?

• Disputes over foreign policy

• Conflicts over military action powers

• Disagreement over military funding

• Arguments over domestic policy

What did the nation's founders intend regarding the powers of government branches?

• Congress having all authority

• A balance and struggle over powers

• Complete separation of powers

• Unified control under the president