War Powers Resolution

Exploring the Essential Primary Sources
Table of Contents
67 War Powers Resolution
67 War Powers Resolution
https://doi.org/10.3735/9781968349172.book-part-67

  You don't have access to this content. Please try to log in with your institution. Sign In

Abstract

The War Powers Resolution, passed in 1973, is a U.S. law designed to define and regulate how decisions about war are shared between Congress and the president. It was enacted during a period of intense political debate over the proper limits of presidential authority, particularly after the long and controversial Vietnam War. Many members of Congress believed that recent presidents had committed U.S. forces to armed conflict without sufficient consultation or formal approval from Congress. In response, Congress passed this law to reassert its constitutional responsibility in decisions about war and to ensure that future military actions would reflect the collective judgment of both branches of government.

Contents