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*Commander in Chief *

President George Bush, our Commander in Chief
President Bush is currently the Commander in Chief and leader of armed forces.

He is the only person who can order American soldiers into battle.
Because he is commander in chief, during War, he has the power to order the United States Army to take over the government of another country.
During peace time, the President can use the armed services for a variety of purposes
The Commander in Chief can also call out government troops to keep order within the U.S.

To read a speech given by the Commander in Chief click here

+Military power can sometimes threaten a nation's government; many times before, military leaders have used their power and force to take over their government. To avoid this, the framers of the U.S. Constitution made the president the Commander in Chief; that way he wouldn't be tempted to take over the government because he was/is the head of the government.

The president can, however, use his power as Commander in Chief to threaten the system's checks and balances.

+In 1973, following the Vietnam War, Congress passed the War Powers Act.

+This act limits the President's authority to wage war.

+It requires the president to notify congress immediately when troops are sent into battle

+It also requires the troops to be brought home after 60 days unless congress gives its approval

for them to remain longer or unless it (congress) declares war.

To see an article about Bush's role in Afghanistan, click here.

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        President Nixon was one of many presidents in who, during the Vietnam
                War, used his power as Commander in Chief to send troops to
                    Vietnam though congress never declared War there.

President Truman also sent troops into Korea, involving
the U.S. in an armed conflict, though
Congress did NOT declare war