Presidential Military Authority

Definition

Presidential military authority refers to a president's power to make decisions related to military operations. This includes commanding armed forces, making strategic choices during conflicts or crises, and determining when to use force in defense or pursuit of national interests.

Related terms

War Powers Act: A law passed by Congress in 1973 that restricts a president's ability to commit U.S. armed forces without congressional approval.

Checks and Balances: A system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit or influence the actions of others.

Executive Orders: Directives issued by the President that manage operations within executive branch agencies without requiring congressional approval.