Question

How was the War Powers Resolution intended to limit presidential authority?

Answer 1

The War Powers Resolution works to limit the power of the executive branch (aka president) to declare war and send troops into different areas. The reasoning behind this was this mishandling of the Vietnam War by multiple presidents. During the Vietnam War the president had the ability to send troops without informing Congress. Due to this act, the President must give Congress a 48 hour heads up of any increase or stationing of American troops. Along with this, these forces can only stay in this specific area for a certain amount of time . The only way to get extend their stay in a country is a declaration of war, which must be passed by Congress,

Answer 2

Congress needs to be notified of troop deployments and must approve long-term military actions.

Passed in 1973 over the veto of President Richard Nixon, the War Powers Resolution (its official name) blocks presidents from continuing the pursuance of a war without Congress's approval. Congress must be notified within 48 hours if troops are deployed, and troops cannot remained deployed beyond 60 days without approval from Congress.

The US Constitution leaves some tension in place between the legislative and executive branch when it comes to the country's involvement in war. Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war. But Article II names the President the Commander-in-Chief, and presidents frequently have understood that role as containing the authority to deploy US forces without first getting congressional approval. The War Powers Act requires the President to notify Congress of troop deployments and limits the length of time troops can be deployed without Congressional approval.