The Commander-in-Chief

About this book

"Presidential authority and the execution of this power is the focus of this book. This text chronicles the nine warfighting Presidents' efforts to adapt to change and justify the expansion of the powers of the Presidency under Article II of the United States Constitution. 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"--Unedited summary from book cover.