War Powers
/ˈwɔːr ˌpaʊərz/
Definitions
- (n.) Legal authority granted to a government or its executive branch to initiate or conduct military operations.
The president exercised war powers to deploy troops abroad without a formal declaration of war.
- (n.) Constitutionally or statutorily defined limits on the executive's ability to engage in armed conflict.
Congress enacted legislation to check the president's war powers by requiring timely notification of military actions.
Forms
- war powers
Related terms
See also
Commentary
War powers often involve a constitutional balance between the legislative and executive branches, requiring precise statutory language to define scope and limits.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.