A Level History - America - Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Command of Army Act, enacted in 1867 during the Reconstruction era, specifically stipulated that the President of the United States could only issue orders to the military through the General of the Army. This was a critical legislative measure aimed at limiting the President's power over the military, particularly in the context of the ongoing tensions between President Andrew Johnson and Congress. The Act was part of a series of reconstruction policies aimed at consolidating congressional control over military affairs, especially concerning the enforcement of Reconstruction laws in the South.

The requirement for the President to route orders through the General of the Army effectively placed a layer of oversight and accountability in military command, reducing the likelihood of unilateral military decisions by the President. By designating the General of the Army as the sole point of communication for military orders, the Act sought to curtail potential abuses of power and ensure that military actions were consistent with congressional mandates. This balance of power was particularly crucial during a time of political strife in the United States.