– What was the intent of Congress in the War Powers Act of 1973? – How would you characterize the impact of this legislation on congressional authority in national security? – In your analysis, is this law a necessary extension of congressional authority in response to the growth of presidential

36527In this module you are required to write a 3-5 page (not including the cover and reference pages) position paper thoroughly discussing the material presented during the week. APA citations are expected, an abstract is not.

The readings and learning activities in this module discussed war-making power in the United States, the political implications of the 1973 War Powers Resolution, and the authority and impact of Congress in the politics of national security. For this, and all position paper assignments, it is crucial to base your opinions and arguments on research.

In this module we examined the constitutional division of authority regarding war powers. Now you will turn this knowledge to an analysis of the virtues and drawbacks of the 1973 War Powers Resolution.

– What was the intent of Congress in the War Powers Act of 1973?
– How would you characterize the impact of this legislation on congressional authority in national security?
– In your analysis, is this law a necessary extension of congressional authority in response to the growth of presidential power-or is it an unnecessary and harmful impingement upon the president’s role as commander in chief? Why or why not?

Reading Material:

Sarkesian, S., Williams, J. & Cimbala, S. (2012). US national security: Policymakers, processes, and politics. (5th ed.). Boulder, CO: L. Rienner.
Chapter 10 – “The Policy Process” pp. 199-210
Chapter 11 – “The President and Congress” pp. 211-228
Module Notes: National Security Policy-Coordinating the Players