Presidential Powers and Military Authority

The video discusses the president's role as commander-in-chief, highlighting the constitutional tension between the executive and legislative branches regarding military use. It explains the War Powers Resolution, which limits the president's ability to engage in military action without Congress's consent. The video also addresses legal issues related to the war on terror, including the rights of detainees at Guantanamo Bay and the detention of U.S. citizens as enemy combatants.

What is the primary role of the President as commander-in-chief?

• To lead the legislative branch

• To command the U.S. military

• To declare war

• To draft military laws

Why did the framers of the Constitution emphasize civilian control over the military?

• To ensure military efficiency

• To prevent a military dictatorship

• To promote international alliances

• To increase military funding

Which article of the Constitution designates the President as commander-in-chief?

• Article 3

• Article 2

• Article 1

• Article 4

How many wars have been officially declared by Congress in U.S. history?

• Three

• Five

• Nine

• Seven

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

• To allow Congress to declare war more easily

• To increase presidential power

• To abolish the role of commander-in-chief

• To restrict the President's ability to engage in war without Congress

Under the War Powers Resolution, how long can the President commit troops without congressional approval?

• 30 days

• 120 days

• 90 days

• 60 days

What is a key reason presidents try to comply with the War Powers Resolution?

• To ensure international cooperation

• To gain political support from Congress

• To avoid impeachment

• To increase military funding

What legal issue did the courts face after the September 11th attacks?

• The role of Congress in military funding

• The President's power to draft soldiers

• The legality of declaring war on terror

• The rights of foreign prisoners at Guantanamo Bay

What did the Supreme Court decide regarding the detention of U.S. citizens as enemy combatants?

• They have certain legal rights

• They can be detained indefinitely

• They must be released immediately

• They have no legal rights

What is still disputed regarding the rights of detainees in the war on terror?

• The location of detention

• The extent of their legal rights

• The duration of their detention

• The method of their capture