Twe assingments each one is one page - Essay Example

(Assignment) I Undoubtedly, Obama is violating the norms of the War Powers Resolution by intervening in the civil war in Libya. Though the War Powers Act of 1973 is considered unwise by many, Obama still has the responsibility to abide by the same as far as it remains in force. The first violation comes in the fact that Obama did not follow the directive that a president is to terminate military action within 60 days of its initiation. The maximum time period that can be taken if the president feels that there is an ‘unavoidable military necessity’ is 90 days, and that too requires the president’s certification in writing.

However, the war has already crossed the 60 days limit and the Congress still remains silent. The March 21 notification of Obama was that U.S would engage in a ‘limited and well-defined mission’ in Libya. However, by May 20, as Huffpost Politics reports, Obama wrote to the Congress that U.S is ‘no longer in lead’ but the participation involves non-kinetic support like intelligence and refueling, and kinetic attacks on Libyan air defenses and NATO-led forces. Obama violated the law by not seeking the formal approval of the Congress for military operations in Libya.

Secondly, he violated the law by not certifying in writing that there is ‘unavoidable military necessity’ in Libya so that the military operation continues after 60 days. Now, what Obama has to do is to seek and receive the permission from Congress before the completion of 90 days. In addition, he will have to withdraw all the forces and resources from Libya in 90 days. II Article II, Section I of the American Constitution states that Congress would decide the date of appointment of electors.

So, in 1845, Congress enacted a law providing that Tuesday after the first Monday of November of the year in which the electors are to be appointed is the Election Day. There are many reasons behind the selection of Tuesday as the Election Day. In 1845, when the rule was enacted, America was a mainly agricultural society, and traveling facilities were very limited. It was a difficult task for the rural folks to travel to the polls in their counties. It took one day’s time for many to reach their polls.

However, conducting the polls on Monday meant people had to start from their homes on Sunday, but it would interfere with their church services on Sunday. However, it was not possible to select the second Tuesday as it would fall on the All Saints Day. There are many reasons for selecting November too. The first reason is that by November, the fall harvest is over, and the climate remains mild and suitable for farmers to travel great distances to polls. One should remember the fact that nearly two centuries ago, the roads were not at all developed and traveling was not as pleasant as it is today.

In addition, the time did not interfere with the agricultural operations of the peasants as by November, the crops have already been harvested and the spring planting has not been started. Thus, considering the lifestyle of 1800s, first Tuesday in November is the wisest choice to conduct the national election. Works Cited “John Boehner Warns Obama on violating War Powers Act with Libya Mission”. Huffpost Politics, 14 June 2011. Web 16 June 2011