Final answer:
Commanders are authorized to issue regulations for property protection under the President's role as Commander in Chief, with the power derived from the Constitution and reinforced by Congress's authority over U.S. property, as well as historical legal interpretations and past legislative measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The policy that authorizes commanders to issue regulations for the protection or security of property and places under their command is rooted in the powers given to the President as the Commander in Chief of the armed forces. These powers are outlined in the Constitution's Section 2, which states that the President shall be the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and the militia of the several states when called into actual service. Furthermore, Congress has the authority to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States.
Historical instances have shown that following significant events, such as the 9/11 attacks, the Office of Legal Counsel has argued that the President can take unilateral action to protect American people. This interpretation has been used to justify a wide range of actions for national defense, including the issuance of regulations by military commanders. Additionally, the Reconstruction Act following the Civil War empowered military commanders to enforce authority and establish electoral and governmental regulations in unreconstructed states.