After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks the U.S. Congress passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force. The resolution authorizes the president to undertake war against al-Qaeda and its affiliates without Congressional approval. Since 2001 the law has been used to approve military conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Proponents argue that the law is necessary to give the President the powers to act quickly in order to prevent another terrorist attack on the U.S. Opponents argue that all U.S. military conflicts should have Congressional approval and this act has been used in military conflicts that have nothing to do with al-Qaeda.
Response rates from 4.1m America voters.
35% Yes |
65% No |
31% Yes |
58% No |
4% Yes, we must use whatever means necessary to prevent another terrorist attack |
7% No, Congress should approve all military conflicts |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 4.1m America voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 4.1m America voters.
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Unique answers from America voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@9GK257P11mos11MO
Yes, but only in emergencies when an instant response is needed. Such operations shouldn’t last beyond 30 days without congressional authorization
@9JZH4LX7mos7MO
Yes, and in theory, as the most powerful person in the nation, the President can do whatever they want without anybody else’s approval
@9D8GBQR1yr1Y
Yes and drug and slave traffickers
@9RXP9KX1mo1MO
Yes, Congress can vote to influence the president’s decision, but should not ultimately make it for them
@9FC9JN61yr1Y
Yes and no, congress should have a say in some conflicts, only in the extreme should the president beable to authorize without congressional approval.
@9DC32441yr1Y
The president has control over the military but should be watched over by congress so that president cannot become power hungry
@9F4MSCF1yr1Y
No, and we should slash military spending and stop trying to subjugate the world.
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