Question

Description 2 At the close of the Vietnam War in 1973, Congress passed the War Powers Resolution in an attempt to limit lengthy military engagements without a formal declaration of war. The resolution stated that the president could only engage the military for up to 90 days; if after 90 days Congress had not declared war (or issued some other formal authorization for military action) the president would have to cease the military engagement and bring troops home. Is the War Powers Resolution an unconstitutional limitation on the President's power as commander in chief? 2

Answer 1

Congress acts as a legislative branch of the government that also works to apply check and balance upon the executive branch of the government that is led by President and it is under the provisions of US constitution. So, the resolution should be considered as an effort to check and balance act upon the action taken by the president as commander in chief.

Since any military action causes huge deployment of resources, escalation of tension and unnecessary media attention criticizing US action, then it is important to put some control on it. For this reason, the resolution is passed. Under this resolution also, 90 days are given to the president to take some decisions and act sensibly. So, article 2 of the US constitution, gives president the power, but US constitution also says congress to form statute or laws, to work as check and balance action.