What criteria must be met for the President to deploy troops?

The correct answer is based on the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which mandates that the President must notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying military forces. This legislation aimed to enhance congressional oversight over military engagements and to ensure that the President does not unilaterally engage in hostilities without legislative approval.

This requirement serves as a check on the President’s power, fostering communication and accountability between the Executive and Legislative branches regarding military action. If troops are deployed, the President must also seek congressional authorization if the military engagement extends beyond 60 days, barring any intervening circumstances.

The other choices represent misunderstandings or misapplications of the War Powers Resolution and related frameworks. Others may confuse the timeline involved or suggest oversight by branches of government that do not have jurisdiction, like the Supreme Court, which does not participate in military deployment decisions. This emphasizes the importance of understanding the legislative checks on executive military power.