Final answer:
The president's authority in military affairs is checked by the War Powers Act, which requires notification and consultation with Congress, imposes time limits on military engagements without formal approval, and is subject to broader systemic and informal checks such as funding, judicial review, and public opinion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Limits on the President's War Powers
The president's powers to engage in military actions are checked by various mechanisms, including the War Powers Act. The Act itself presents the following limitations:
- The president must inform Congress within 48 hours of committing troops to a hostile environment without a formal declaration of war.
- Without Congress's approval or a declaration of war, troops cannot remain in the area for more than 90 days.
- The president must consult with Congress before committing troops, ensuring a degree of legislative oversight.
Aside from the War Powers Act, there are also broader systemic checks including the need for Congress to fund military actions and the possibility of judicial review of presidential decisions related to military engagements.
Lastly, the power of public opinion and media scrutiny can also act as an informal check on presidential authority in military affairs. Oftentimes, public and media pressures can influence congressional responses to presidential actions, thus putting a check on the president's unilateral decision-making.