Legal Definitions - war-powers resolution

The War-Powers Resolution is a law passed by the United States Congress in 1973. It limits the power of the President to involve the country in foreign conflicts without the approval of Congress, unless the United States or one of its territories is attacked.

For example, if the President wanted to send troops to another country to fight a war, he would need to get approval from Congress first. This law was passed to prevent the President from making decisions about war without the input of the people's representatives in Congress.

The War-Powers Resolution was passed over the President's veto, which means that the President did not agree with the law but Congress passed it anyway. This law is important because it helps to ensure that the United States does not get involved in unnecessary wars without the approval of the people's representatives in Congress.