Commander in Chief

Definition

This is the role of the U.S. President as head of American armed forces. The President has ultimate authority over military matters but cannot declare war without approval from Congress.

Related terms

War Powers Resolution Act 1973: A federal law intended to check the president's power to commit the United States to an armed conflict without the consent of Congress.

Military Strategy: A set of ideas implemented by military organizations to pursue desired strategic goals.

Declaration of War: A formal act by which one nation goes to war against another.