The Constitution is the document that gives power to the President as Commander-in-Cheif. The Constitution therefore, is the source of modern power struggles between Congress and the President. By definition, war is a an act that can only be declared by Congress, but the President has authority to intiate military action. While this was done originally so that neither branch could overpower the other, a result of the checks and balances system, it now creates controversy when action is take. US Military forces have been mobilized and active far more times then war has been declared. War has been declared by Congress in 1812, 1846, 1898, 1917, and 1941, so the "conficts" in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Somalia, and many others were initiated without Congressional approval.
This Constitutional issue now currently faces controversy with American involvement in Lybia. This conflict may cause the US to have to amend the Constitution and its definition of war. Obama and the administration claim that they are not committing an act of war, since no American soldiers have been physically stationed in Lybia. However, plently of American equipment, American weaponry, and most importantly, American money, have been put into action in Lybia and over Lybian airspace. This issue also relates to foreign policy, as we must soon decide what causes us to get involved in another country's conflict.
No comments:
Post a Comment