The War Powers Act - Milestone or Millstone.
Abstract
This report considers whether the historic prerogative of the U.S. President to commit U.S. armed forces to hostilities outside the United States is detrimental to the nation's best interest and whether such action by the President is a proper and necessary exercise of his responsibilities as Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief. An attempt to reverse the trend of executive prerogative is demonstrated by the War Powers Resolution of 1973. The 'Act' is examined to see whether it is more political than operational. Historical examples leading up to the Act are discussed. Committee hearings, judicial decisions, and views of proponents and opponents of limiting executive war powers were considered. Although the Act is intended to restore a balance between the war powers of the President and Congress, there is question as to its constitutionality. Perhaps more significantly, a literal application of the Act's provisions to the current world situation could be seriously detrimental to the U.S. vital interests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 10, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA019390
Entities
People
- Anthony A. Movsesian
Organizations
- United States Army War College