Final answer:
Historically, wars have led to a temporary expansion of government power, as demonstrated by the centralization of authority during the Civil War and post-war policies that reconfigured federal and state power dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining how war affects government power, the historical context shows that war typically results in a temporary expansion of government power. This was evident during the Civil War, where both the Union and the Confederacy increased their central authority to mobilize resources and manage the logistics of maintaining large armies. Similarly, the War Powers Resolution of 1973 aimed to limit the president's power, requiring notification to Congress if U.S. forces were engaged without a war declaration and setting a limit on their deployment without Congressional approval.
During the American Civil War, these expansions in government authority included increased control over economic production, conscription of soldiers, and the enactment of legal measures like the Emancipation Proclamation. The ultimate outcome of the Civil War resulted in a shift of power balance towards the national government, confirming the federal government's domination over the states.
Overall, wars historically have reconfigured the balance of power between the central government and state or local governments, domestic policy, and the extent of federal authority.