Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

• A. The Secretary of Defense
• B. The Vice President
• C. The President
• D. The Chief Justice

Answer: (C)

The Commander in Chief of the military is the President of the United States. This role is established by the U.S. Constitution, specifically in Article II, Section 2, which states that the President shall be the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states when called into actual service of the United States. This authority gives the President significant power over military operations and decisions, emphasizing the military's subordination to civilian leadership. While other positions, such as the Secretary of Defense, play critical roles in advising the President and managing the Department of Defense, ultimate command and control over military forces rest with the President. The Vice President, although an important leader and member of the executive branch, does not hold this command. Similarly, the Chief Justice's role is centered around the judicial branch of government and does not extend to military command. Thus, the President's role as Commander in Chief reflects a key principle of civilian oversight of the military in a democratic society.

The Commander in Chief of the military is the President of the United States. This role is established by the U.S. Constitution, specifically in Article II, Section 2, which states that the President shall be the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states when called into actual service of the United States.

This authority gives the President significant power over military operations and decisions, emphasizing the military's subordination to civilian leadership. While other positions, such as the Secretary of Defense, play critical roles in advising the President and managing the Department of Defense, ultimate command and control over military forces rest with the President. The Vice President, although an important leader and member of the executive branch, does not hold this command. Similarly, the Chief Justice's role is centered around the judicial branch of government and does not extend to military command. Thus, the President's role as Commander in Chief reflects a key principle of civilian oversight of the military in a democratic society.