Entry Exam Category: High School Equivalency Exams
Course: General Education Development (GED)
Exam: GED Social Studies Practice Test
Practice Question
Extract
War Powers in the U.S. Constitution
The framers of the U.S. Constitution divided war powers between Congress and the president. Congress has the power to declare war and to create and fund the military. The president, as commander in chief, has the power to command and control U.S. military forces.
In 1950, President Harry Truman deployed U.S. troops in South Korea as part of a United Nations military force. President Truman referred to the Korean War as a "police action" meant to uphold the rule of law. He never asked Congress for a declaration of war and one was never delivered. Later, as a result of the Vietnam War, Congress passed legislation requiring the president to withdraw troops from combat within 60 days if Congress has not declared war or approved the use of force.
Nevertheless, while Congress and the president continue to argue over war powers, the division of these powers in the U.S. Constitution remains unchanged.
The framers of the U.S. Constitution divided war powers between Congress and the president. Congress has the power to declare war and to create and fund the military. The president, as commander in chief, has the power to command and control U.S. military forces.
In 1950, President Harry Truman deployed U.S. troops in South Korea as part of a United Nations military force. President Truman referred to the Korean War as a "police action" meant to uphold the rule of law. He never asked Congress for a declaration of war and one was never delivered. Later, as a result of the Vietnam War, Congress passed legislation requiring the president to withdraw troops from combat within 60 days if Congress has not declared war or approved the use of force.
Nevertheless, while Congress and the president continue to argue over war powers, the division of these powers in the U.S. Constitution remains unchanged.
Which statement provides the main idea of the passage?
Answer Choices
- A: The founders understood the importance of dividing war powers in the U.S. Constitution.
- B: President Truman used presidential war powers to send troops to South Korea.
- C: Congress restricted presidential war powers as a result of the Vietnam War.
- D: A conflict over presidential war powers exists in the U.S. government.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Text describes ongoing executive/legislative disputes despite constitutional framework