Definition

Noun: An extraordinary power, typically exercised by the executive branch of a government, during the prosecution of a war. This power involves an extension of the legal and operational authority that the government normally possesses during peacetime.

Usage

This term is used in political and legal contexts to describe the expanded authority a government assumes during wartime, often including control over the economy, communication, and civil liberties, which would be restricted or unconstitutional in peacetime.

Examples

• The president invoked war powers to authorize surveillance on communications.
• The debate centered on whether the new security measures were a legitimate use of war power.
• Historically, the concept of war power has been a point of contention between legislative and executive branches.

Advanced Usage

• "to invoke war powers": To formally call upon or activate these extraordinary authorities.
  • The leader argued it was necessary to invoke war powers to ensure national survival.
• "delegation of war power": The act of granting this authority from one branch of government (e.g., legislature) to another (e.g., executive).
  • The act was criticized as an excessive delegation of war power to the presidency.

Variants and Related Words

• War Powers (plural noun phrase): Often used interchangeably with "war power," especially in formal documents like the "War Powers Resolution."
• Emergency Powers (noun phrase): A broader category of extraordinary authority during crises, which includes but is not limited to wartime.
• Executive Power (noun phrase): The general authority of the executive branch, which is expanded under war power.

Synonyms

• Emergency authority
• Wartime authority
• Extraordinary power

Related Phrases

• War Powers Act/Resolution: A specific law intended to check the executive branch's power to commit armed forces without congressional approval.
  • The administration was accused of bypassing the War Powers Resolution.

Noun

1. an extraordinary power exercised (usually by the executive branch) in the prosecution of a war and involving an extension of the powers that the government normally has in peacetime