Strengthen Congressional Oversight

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 82 views

Charting Changes: A Review of the President's Military and Security Powers Since 1945

The role of the President in the United States has undergone significant changes since the end of World War II. One area where these changes have been particularly pronounced is in the President's military and security powers. In this article, we will review the ways in which the President's military and security powers have expanded since 1945, and discuss the implications of these changes for the country and its citizens.

The President's Military Powers: A Historical Context

Since the end of World War II, the United States has been involved in numerous military conflicts around the world. The Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are just a few examples of the many military engagements that the United States has been involved in during this period. In each of these conflicts, the President has played a significant role in shaping the country's military strategy and making key decisions about the use of military force.

Expansion of the President's Military Powers

There are several ways in which the President's military powers have expanded since 1945. Two of the most significant ways are:

1. The Creation of the National Security Council

In 1947, the National Security Council (NSC) was created to advise the President on national security matters. The NSC is composed of senior officials from various government agencies, including the State Department, the Defense Department, and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The NSC plays a key role in shaping the country's national security policy and making recommendations to the President on matters related to military force and diplomacy.

2. The Expansion of Presidential Authority Under the War Powers Resolution

In 1973, Congress passed the War Powers Resolution, which was designed to limit the President's ability to engage in military conflicts without congressional approval. However, the resolution also gave the President significant authority to take military action in certain circumstances, such as in response to a national emergency or to protect American lives. This expansion of presidential authority has been used by several presidents, including Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, to justify military action in various parts of the world.

The President's Security Powers: A Growing Concern

In addition to the expansion of the President's military powers, there are also concerns about the growth of the President's security powers. The President's security powers refer to the ability of the President to take action to protect national security, including the use of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and other forms of covert action.

1. The Expansion of Surveillance Powers

Since the 9/11 attacks, the President's surveillance powers have expanded significantly. The USA PATRIOT Act, which was passed in 2001, gave the government new powers to conduct surveillance on individuals and organizations suspected of terrorism. The act also expanded the authority of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) to approve surveillance requests.

2. The Growth of the National Security State

The growth of the national security state has also raised concerns about the President's security powers. The national security state refers to the network of government agencies and private contractors that are involved in national security activities, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, and covert action. This network has grown significantly since 9/11, and has raised concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the erosion of civil liberties.

In conclusion, the President's military and security powers have expanded significantly since 1945. The creation of the National Security Council and the expansion of presidential authority under the War Powers Resolution have given the President significant authority to take military action and make decisions about national security. However, these changes have also raised concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the erosion of civil liberties. As the country continues to face new challenges and threats, it is essential that we carefully consider the implications of these changes and work to ensure that the President's powers are exercised in a way that is consistent with the Constitution and the principles of democracy.

Based on our review of the President's military and security powers, we make the following recommendations:

Strengthen Congressional Oversight: Congress should play a more active role in overseeing the President's military and security powers. This could include regular hearings and briefings, as well as the creation of a new committee or subcommittee to focus on national security issues.
Reform the National Security Council: The National Security Council should be reformed to ensure that it is more transparent and accountable to Congress and the American people. This could include the creation of a new charter or bylaws that outline the Council's responsibilities and procedures.
Limit Presidential Authority: The President's authority under the War Powers Resolution should be limited to ensure that Congress has a greater role in deciding whether to engage in military action. This could include the creation of a new law or amendment that requires congressional approval for military action.
Protect Civil Liberties: The government should take steps to protect civil liberties and prevent the erosion of individual rights. This could include the creation of new laws or regulations that limit the use of surveillance and intelligence gathering, as well as the establishment of new oversight mechanisms to ensure that these powers are exercised in a way that is consistent with the Constitution.