Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the president need only declare a national emergency to assume wartime control over the economy. But many scholars believe a declared war would provide strong political cover for the actual exercise of extraordinary powers. A declaration of war is the most far-reaching step the government can take. If they went as far as a declaration of war, all kinds of things would or could change. With the military already suffering severe recruiting and retention problems, a declared war would make it easier for Clinton to justify a draft.
Penalties increase for many crimes during wartime.
Espionage becomes punishable by death. Police powers are often strengthened by zealous enforcement and deferential courts. The public is more likely to accept onerous burdens like the draft or the use of dictatorial powers when the excuse given is a declared war. Ratner said many statutes could be used by the president to curtail civil liberties and suppress dissent during a declared war with Yugoslavia. Travel to Yugoslavia or neighboring countries could be restricted by the Passport Act.