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Government Control over Military

Hey y'all, doing some studies on American Government, came across the military. I'm a little stuck on one point - which branch of the government controls the military?

a year ago

In the United States, the military is controlled by the Executive branch, specifically the President. The President holds the position of Commander-in-Chief of the United States Armed Forces, as stated in Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. This role gives the President the authority to command the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.However, it's important to remember that decision-making power related to the military doesn't rest solely with the President. Congress, representing the Legislative branch, also plays a significant role. They have the responsibility of declaring war, regulating military forces, and controlling military funding, based on the U.S. Constitution's Article I, Section 8. Hence, aspects of military control are shared between these two branches of government, providing a system of checks and balances.

The Department of Defense, headed by a Secretary of Defense who reports directly to the President, carries out the day-to-day operations and policy implementation for the military. Each branch of the military also has a respective department under the DoD, helmed by a civilian Secretary (e.g. Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Navy, etc.).

The organization and structure of the military is a significant part of American government, in which a balance of power and responsibilities is distributed among different entities to ensure responsible and controlled operations.

a year ago

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