War Powers Act 

by Luke Newman

The War Powers Act of 1941, also known as the First War Powers Act, was an American emergency law that increased Federal power during World War II. 

It was signed by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and put into law on December 18, 1941, two weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 

The act gave the President more power on when to execute World War II in a smart and easy way. It gave the president authority to reorganize the executive branch, independent government agencies, and government corporations for the war cause. 

He was also allowed to censor mail and other forms of communication between the United States and foreign countries. The act and all changes created by its power were to remain intact until six months after the end of the war at which time, the act would be dropped.