American Politics Today - Essentials (3rd Ed)

WAR POWERS: WHO CONTROLS THE ARMED FORCES?

Has the power to declare war (but

has not used this power since

World War II).

Has the power of the purse: can

provide or withhold funding for

military action.

Answers: 1.b; 2.a

The Constitution gives the power

to declare war.

a the president

b Congress

c the Pentagon

d the State Department

e the ambassador to the target country

However, in the past century, almost all military

action has been initiated by

a the president.

b Congress.

c the Pentagon.

d the State Department.

e the ambassador to the target country.

12

THE PRESIDENT

ARMED FORCES

CONGRESS

As commander in chief, has the

power to deploy troops.

Under the War Powers Resolution,

has to notify Congress, and the

use of force must be terminated

within 60 days if Congress does

not approve. However, Congress

has never voted to terminate

military action, and most

presidents have argued that the

act is unconstitutional.

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WAR

POP

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