Final answer:
Congress has the power to declare war, raise and support armies, maintain a navy, and regulate military conduct through the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 reinforces Congress's authority, requiring the president to get Congress's approval to continue a military campaign beyond sixty days.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Congress has extensive powers regarding war, which are laid out in the Constitution and shaped by historical acts like the War Powers Resolution. One of the most significant powers Congress has is the ability to declare war. This means that technically, the president cannot declare war without Congress's approval, establishing a system of checks and balances. Additionally, Congress has the authority to raise and support armies and maintain a navy, giving it control over military funding. Congress also sets the rules for the behavior of the armed forces, now codified in the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Since World War II, presidents have not sought formal declarations of war but have relied on congressional authorizations, UN resolutions, and other justifications for military action.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 is another critical piece of legislation affecting Congress's powers over war. This act was intended to reaffirm Congress's role by requiring the president to seek approval from Congress to continue any military action beyond sixty days. Despite the intention to curb presidential power, it effectively allowed presidents to engage in military conflict without immediate congressional approval for a limited period.
Using these war powers, Congress influences decisions that shape the United States' foreign policy and military engagements, showing the significance of its role in war-making and in keeping the government's executive branch in check.