How Much Power Does The President Have? John C. Yoo and Michael Cairo both have different opinions about the president having unilateral powers towards war. John C. Yoo believes the President does have power while Michael Cario disagrees that he doesn’t. They both argue that during a time of war that the President has different amount of power. John C. Yoo’s view he believes that the President of the United States does have unilateral power during war. He argues that in a speedy action the President does have the power to declare war.

In the Constitution Article 2, Section 2 states that the “ President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and or the Militia of the Several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States. ” The President has powers from the broad constitutional authority to use military force to a threat of the United States being in danger. There can be a Militia sent to an area by the President, but he can’t make the decision to declare. Congress can declare war not the President.

It states in the constitution that congress in foreign affairs that congress can say yes or no. The President, who is Commander in Chief, does have the power to declare war. For example on September 11th, 2001 the president was able to declare war on Iraq because they attacked the United States putting citizens in danger. John C. Yoo view is really that the President has the power to declare war depending on the situation. Michael Cairo believes that the President of the United States doesn’t have unilateral power during a war.

Michael believes that the president does not have authority of having powers during a war. He believes the only way the president can do any actions is by having evidence and must meet the obligations under international law. For example during both Clinton and Bush Administration, they both relied on legal authority so that they can pursue a military force. Michael Cario believes that if the President doesn’t have any evidence to support why he should go to battle then he can’t jump to conclusions and just jump right in it.

I agree with both of John C. Yoo’s and Michael Cairo views. Yes the president does have unilateral powers but it’s to an extent. The President can declare war whenever he wants too, but he needs to have enough information so that we don’t start a war with the wrong country. The President can send troops to an area where’s there fighting and classify it as black opps or keeping it a secret. The President does have the power to do whatever he wants, but he must be careful what he does.

The reason why is because he is the Commander in Chief. This means he has complete power and control over the Military and he can do whatever he wants with them whenever he wants The President of the United States is a really powerful person in our society. Like what Richard Nixon said, “The President can bomb anybody he likes. ” This is a perfect example to show how much power the President holds and how he can use it. The President can use his power however and whenever he chooses too.