what power does the constitution give the president in the area of war
Here is an excellent site:
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/warandtreaty.htm
Congress (the legislative branch) is the only agency that has the constitutionally derived authority to declare war on another country. Look up the War Powers Act of 1973 and look at the actual text of the Constitution itself.
The Constitution of the United States grants the President several important powers in the area of war. The main powers given to the President are:
1. Commander-in-Chief: As stated in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. This means that the President has ultimate authority and control over the military.
2. War Powers: The Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war (Article I, Section 8). However, it also allows the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to act in times of emergency or when the nation's security is threatened. This is often referred to as the President's "war powers" or "executive power."
3. Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF): Congress has the authority to authorize the President to use military force without declaring war in certain situations. The AUMF gives the President the power to respond to specific threats or carry out military actions against entities or countries that pose a danger to the United States.
4. Treaty Power: The President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, has the power to enter into treaties with other nations. These treaties can include agreements related to military alliances, defense cooperation, or restrictions on the use of military force.
It's important to note that while the President has certain powers related to war, the Constitution also establishes a system of checks and balances. Congress plays a crucial role in authorizing and overseeing military actions, and the judicial branch can also review the constitutionality of the President's actions. Additionally, the War Powers Resolution of 1973 requires the President to notify Congress when committing U.S. armed forces to hostilities and sets a time limit for continued military action without congressional approval.