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How did the Gulf Tonkin Resolution give more power to President Johnson than the powers granted in the Constitution?

- A. Allows unlimited war powers
- B. Expands executive authority
- C. Limits congressional oversight
- D. Nullifies judicial review

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution granted President Johnson significantly broader military powers than usually allowed under the Constitution, letting him wage war in Vietnam without a formal declaration from Congress. Later, the War Powers Resolution sought to rebalance war authority between the branches of government.option c is correct

Step-by-step explanation:

The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution significantly expanded the powers of President Lyndon B. Johnson beyond what is traditionally granted by the Constitution. Passed in 1964 after a reported attack on U.S. warships in the Gulf of Tonkin, it granted President Johnson the authority to use military force in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war from Congress. This decision, made with nearly a unanimous congressional approval, gave the president the ability to escalate military operations in Vietnam, essentially giving him a 'blank check.' While the Constitution designates the president as the commander-in-chief of the military, typically it is Congress that has the power to declare war.

Later on, the War Powers Resolution was passed in 1973 as an attempt by Congress to reclaim some control over war-making powers. Although intended to restrict presidential power by requiring Congressional notification and approval for extended military engagements, it still allowed presidents a 60-day window to engage militarily without congressional consent, effectively endorsing strong executive action in the short term.

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