"Presidential authority and the execution of this power is the focus of this book. This text chronicles the nine war-fighting Presidents' efforts to adapt to change and justify the expansion of the powers of the Presidency under Article 2. In the beginning, Adams, Madison, and Jackson taught the nation how to lead as they executed their Constitutional authority while managing the nation's military capabilities. Madison, Polk, and Tyler operated within the parameters set by previous administrations, addressing operations in the Philippines, Cuba, Grenada, and Panama. The First and Second World Wars gave Wilson, FDR, and Truman the ability to reshape and extend their power. Finally, as Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon engaged in Vietnam, the President's power grew yet again. Terry's tenure as legal counsel to Generals Powell and Shalikashvili occurred at a time when the President's powers were again tested, and the author's operational experience matched the shift from traditional to non-traditional warfare."--Amazan.com

Presidential authority and the use of force -- Constitutional underpinnings: Presidential power and Congressional prerogatives -- The President's legal authority as Commander in Chief -- The role of Congress in political-military crises : withholding or withdrawal of legislative authority -- The development of the President's operational authority in wartime -- Terrorism and the Presidents' Commander in Chief authority -- Humanitarian crises addressed by our presidents -- Presidential authority and United Nations' peacekeeping -- The Presidents' actions in defense of U.S. nationals abroad -- The Presidents' role in protecting critical infrastructure -- The arms control Presidents -- Observations and conclusions : Reflections on the Presidents' Commander-in-Chief Authority.