Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 261, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 November 1917 — Congress Holds Purse Strings. [ARTICLE]

Congress Holds Purse Strings.

The Constitution of the United States vests In congress power “to raise and support Armies," subject to the provision that “no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years.” This limitation was- designed as a check on the possible abuse of power by the president as commander in chief. As army appropriations must be made every two years, the military branch of the government Is completely dependent on the will of congress. Congress holds the purse strings and a military president who should ( attempt to take things into his own hands or use the army for improper purposes would soon find its supplies cut oft at the fountain head.