Category: American Government
The President is the Commander in Chief of the U.S. military. This means the President has ultimate authority over the armed forces — the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
This is a key principle in American government: civilian control of the military. The Founders believed the military should be led by an elected civilian, not a general, to prevent military dictatorships.
While the President commands the military, only Congress has the power to declare war. This is another example of checks and balances — the President leads the troops, but Congress decides whether to go to war.
Say: 'The President.'
Test yourself with our free quiz simulator and interactive flashcards — the same official questions, timed like the real interview.