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Presidential Responsibility And Power : Presidential Power

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Presidential Responsibility and Power Executive powers during times of conflict and crisis expand to allow certain actions to occur that would not be viewed as constitutional during a time of peace. This expansion of power allows the president to do what is necessary during times of conflict to ensure the protection of the nation. Although flexibility is necessary during wartime, presidents often test the separation of powers doctrine defined by the Constitution. Article I Section 8 clearly states that Congress has the power to declare war; however, the executive circumvents this by failing to utilize the word “war”. This expansion of presidential power results in a chief executive that exhibits both legislative and executive powers. Therefore, an amendment to Article I Section 8 is essential to prevent the unconstitutional expansion of presidential power during times of conflict. The Amendment shall read: Congress shall authorize the use of military force in all offensive and preemptive conflicts. The President, in the case of imminent danger, may deploy military forces as necessary; upon deployment the President shall report to Congress within forty-eight hours. These constitutional changes reflect the need to distinguish specific powers that each branch will maintain.
Therefore, the vague terminology used in the Constitution needs to be amended to reflect specific duties of each branch of government. A formal declaration of war has not occurred since World War

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