The president does not have "inherent authority" or "inherent powers" that allow him to ignore a law passed by the US Congress. Presidential orders which contradict acts of Congress are illegal, and military officers are responsible for the execution of illegal commands, despite the nature of military chain of command. Decided February 27, 1804 (argued December 16, 1801). Opinion of the Court: John Marshall → go there Topic: Separation of powers. Little v. Barreme, 6 U.S. 170 (1804), was a United States Supreme Court case in which the Court found that the President of the United States does not have "inherent authority" or "inherent powers", either as commander in chief or under the Faithful Execution Clause, to modify a procedure that Congress has provided, even if the executive action was compatible with the legislative intent. Wiki link