National Security Law and the Power of the Purse [Hardcover]

William C. Banks (Author), Peter Raven-Hansen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 21, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0195085388 | ISBN-13: 978-0195085389

The ideal model of national security decision-making, whereby the Legislative branch authorizes action to protect national security and the Executive branch takes it, has broken down due to the speed and unpredictability of foreign crises and the President's monopoly on foreign intelligence. In response, Congress has ceded the initiative to the President, and then utilized the power of the purse to ratify or restrict what the President has done. This power, by necessity and preference, has become the central congressional tool for participating in national security policy. Inevitably attacks on policy are transformed into attacks on the making and effects of appropriations. This study addresses the constitutional and statutory questions raised by these attacks. It thoroughly explores the history, mechanics, and scope of the power of the purse in national security, using Vietnam War appropriations and the Boland Amendments as case studies. William Banks and Peter Raven-Hansen provide a unique and provocative primer on the power of the purse in national security law.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a useful introduction to one of those elements that makes the foreign policy powers of the U.S. Constitution 'an invitation to struggle.'"--Foreign Affairs

About the Author

William C. Banks is at Syracuse University. Peter Raven-Hansen is at The George Washington University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (July 21, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195085388
• ISBN-13: 978-0195085389
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,976,482 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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