The War Powers Act, enacted in 1973, aimed to check the president's power to commit the U.S. to armed conflict without congressional consent. It was a response to presidential actions during the Vietnam War, where Presidents Johnson and Nixon expanded U.S. military involvement without formal congressional approval. The Act requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and limits military engagement to 60 days unless Congress authorizes an extension. Its historical significance lies in its intent to restore the legislative branch's role in war-making decisions, emphasizing the need for a balance of power in U.S. governance.