Authorization for Use of Military Force

The Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) is a law passed by the U.S. Congress that allows the President to use military force in specific situations without declaring war. It is often used to respond to threats against the U.S. or to combat terrorism. The AUMF grants the executive branch the power to take military action based on its assessment of threats, but it is subject to debate regarding its implications for presidential authority and the need for congressional oversight. Essentially, it provides a legal framework for military engagement in particular contexts.