Final answer:
Congress has given presidents the power for a quick response to threats, enhancing executive authority, but there is a risk of potential abuse of power. The War Powers Resolution illustrates the struggle for balance between presidential action and congressional oversight.
Step-by-step explanation:
Congress has given presidents the power to send the U.S. military into conflict through mechanisms such as the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and the authorizations following 9/11 to ensure a quick response to threats and increase executive authority in times of national crisis. These powers enable the president to act decisively when speed is essential to protect national security. However, there are inherent benefits and risks in vesting such power within the executive branch. The benefits include the president's ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats without the delay of legislative debate, which is critical in fast-moving crisis situations. The risks involve the potential for abuse of power, as the expansion of presidential powers over time has led to concerns about unchecked executive action in military engagements. As illustrated by the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which allowed presidents to engage in military action for sixty days before requiring congressional approval, there has been an ongoing struggle to balance checks and balances between Congress and the president regarding war powers.