The War Powers Resolution of 1973: A Sign of the Times

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA202846 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Reviews the history of the debate regarding the shared powers between the Congress and the President for the use of military power in support of foreign policy. The purpose of the paper is to examine the origins of the War Powers Resolution and the interactions of the Congress and the Commander in Chief over the use of United States Armed Forces since its enactment. This examination is a precursor to ascertaining whether the War Powers Resolution is viable as a bona fide constitutional mandate, or is it more accurately a building catalyst for change. The inability of the Congress to hold the Commander in Chief accountable to the requirements of the Resolution appears to render it an issue more tied to the success achieved by the military or the popularity of the action undertaken. The necessity of a re-examination of the current military focus towards its future utility in support of United States Foreign Policy is discussed.

Author(s):
Vogan, Jr, Charles S.
Author Organization(s):
AIR WAR COLL MAXWELL AFB AL
Descriptive Note:
Research rept.
Supplementary Note:
DOI: 10.21236/ADA202846
Pagination:
0068

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
AWC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_8.1.1_Inform Domestic and Foreign Audiences; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_8.2.1_Partner with Governments and Institutions; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_2_Battlespace Awareness; JCA_2.1_Planning and Direction
Modernization Areas:
AI and Machine Learning
Communities of Interest:
Energy and Power Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*LEGISLATION, *MILITARY OPERATIONS, *PRESIDENT(UNITED STATES), *CONGRESS, UTILIZATION, COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEMS, BALANCE OF POWER, FOREIGN POLICY, MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES), INTERACTIONS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Government and Political Science
Keyword(s):
*WAR POWERS RESOLUTION, *COMMANDER IN CHIEF
Report Date:
1988 May 01