How did the war powers act of 1973 impact the relationship between the president and the legislative branch? a) the president's military powers increased while the legislative branch lost power. b) the speaker of the house acts like the commander in chief when the president is unable to fulfill that role. c) the president must inform congress within 48 hours of sending troops into a hostile area without a declaration of war. eliminate d) when there is no declaration of war, troops can remain in hostile areas for an unlimited time without congressional approval.