The War Powers Resolution is a federal law passed in 1973 aimed at checking the President's power to commit the United States to armed conflict without congressional approval. It requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying military forces and limits military engagement to 60 days without congressional authorization or a declaration of war. The resolution was enacted in response to concerns over the Vietnam War and the executive branch's increasing military authority. It reflects the balance of power between the legislative branch, represented by Congress, and the executive branch, represented by the President, in matters of military action.