The Golf of Tonkin Resolution basically gave the president full command to use military force to combat any threats to the country without the need for Congress to convene and declare war. Basically, the president can attack anyone who they deem a threat without permission. This authorized the military to confront forces in South East Asia, which blew to be the Vietnam War. The people were upset over the war and saw the Resolution as an abuse of power, which was why it was later repealed.
