Question

Do you think the president has too much power as Commander In Chief? Not enough power? Do you believe the War Powers Act to be constitutional or unconstitutional?

Answer 1

Under Article II Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution the President President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy . after 9/11 attack legislation has granted more authority to President for exercising powers as commander in chief. His powers increase with congress support on his actions.The U.S. Constitution empowers the president to wage wars as commander in chief presidents can order U.S. troops to fight when the country is attacked. But it is limited by congress as it still hold power to declare a war.

As per Authorization for Use of Military Force against Terrorists(AUMF) a president can“all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committeed, or aided in the Sept. 11 attacks."

After determining involvement of al qaeda and taliban connection with 9/11 attack president exercised powers to attack and destroy them.

This is how president needs to defend the United States, its territories and possessions and its armed forces, from attack.

Presidents may order the evacuation of U.S. citizens and interventions to protect American lives and property during disorders in foreign nations. In some situations, the United States may be involved unilaterally or multilaterally in efforts to restore law and order in other nations. President use of such powers has put country into hostilities and wars therefore the commander in chief's power focuses on the use of armed forces for humanitarian, policing, and peacekeeping operations

As per the constitution only congress has power to declare war and president is commander in chief for military forces.war powers Act are constitutional as they clearly define the boundaries of both congress andd presidential power under wars. Where in a president cannot engage military into war without seeking congress approval and neither could declare a war and is obliged to try settle the matter peacefully beforehand. Act keeps a check on presidential powers related to warfare. There is a clear cut definition under statute about war power.