24)
88TH UNITED STATES CONGRESS
Joint Resolution
To promote the maintenance of international peace and security in southeast Asia.
Whereas naval units of the Communist regime in Vietnam, in violation of the principles of the Charter of the
United Nations and of international law, have deliberately and repeatedly attacked United States naval vessels
Lawfully present in international waters... and
Whereas theses attacks are part of a deliberate and systematic campaign of aggression that the Communist
regime in North Vietnam has been waging against its neighbors and the nations joined with them in the
collective defense of their freedom; and
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America... the Congress approves
and supports the determination of the President, as Commander in Chief, to take all necessary measures to repel
any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression.
-- Approved August 10, 1964
An opponent of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution would argue that it was unconstitutional because it gave too much
power to the
A) armed forces.
B) executive branch
c) legislative branch
D) presidential cabinet