Thursday, September 12, 2013

Civilian Control Of The Military

"If there is one basic element in our Constitution, it is civilian control of the military."
Harry S. Truman  (1884-1972)   33rd US President

When the Constitution of the United States was written, the authority over the military was placed in civilian hands. This has not always been a popular idea.  Nevertheless it has been beneficial to the nation.  This has always been an issue that all countries have had to deal with.  There is much to say about this, but I will simplify things.

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution states that "Congress shall have the power to raise and support Armies, and to provide and maintain a Navy."

Article II, Section 2 states, "The President shall be the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States."

The President and the Congress have always had to work together to use the military.



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