Which constitutional power allows the President to command the military?

Prepare for the AP U.S. Government and Politics Test on The Presidency. Study using flashcards, multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Be ready for your test!

The power that allows the President to command the military is rooted in the executive power defined in the Constitution. The President serves as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, which is established in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution. This provision gives the President the authority to make critical military decisions, direct military operations, and oversee the various branches of the military.

The designation as Commander in Chief allows the President to exert significant control over military actions and decisions, especially during times of conflict. While Congress has the power to declare war and fund military operations, the day-to-day command and management of the military forces lie firmly within the executive branch, highlighting the balance of powers established in the U.S. government.

Other choices do not accurately describe the constitutional authority for military command. The legislative power pertains to Congress's authority to create laws and manage budgetary matters, while military power and war power exist as concepts but are not explicitly defined as constitutional powers in the same way that executive power is. Therefore, the correct answer focuses on the executive power granted to the President to command the military effectively.

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