Question

How did the War Powers Act of 1973 impact the role of the president?

Answer 1

Answer: The act placed a limit on the president's ability to send troops into hostile areas.

Context/detail:

Passed in 1973 over the veto of President Richard Nixon, the War Powers Resolution (its official name) blocks presidents from continuing the pursuance of a war without Congress's approval.  In practice, however, the War Powers Act has often been sidestepped by presidents.  The US Constitution leaves some tension in place between the legislative and executive branch when it comes to the country's involvement in war.  Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war.  But Article II names the President the Commander-in-Chief, and presidents frequently have understood that role as containing the authority to deploy US forces without first getting congressional approval.  The War Powers Act has been an ongoing point of controversy as US forces have been sent into all sorts of conflict zones in the 21st century without formal declarations of war.

Answer 2

The war powers act of 1973 came into place as a result of the actions of LBJ in the Vietnam war, he had been very secretive about how many troops he ordered and how he was conducting the war.  The War powers act of 1973 stated that the president was required to inform congress on war policies/strategies, and the president could not send troops to a foreign power for more than 60 days without declaration of war by Congress.  It was vetoed by president Nixon, but congress passed it over his veto.  This law impacted the role of the president by limiting his/her power when it comes to war.  Today, it essentially acts as another "check" in the system of checks and balances by making sure that the Executive branch (president) does't have too much power over foreign policy.  Hope this helps!