Katie Couric's Notebook: McChrystal

It means the U.S. military answers to elected officials - not the other way around. The Constitution says that Congress has the power to raise and support armies, and the President is the commander-in-chief.

From time to time, the concept pops up in the political debate. For example, in 1951 President Harry Truman fired General Douglas MacArthur for defying and criticizing his policy in Korea.

This week, General Stanley McChrystal is taking some heat for expressing his view that the situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating and that more troops are needed.

He didn't exactly pull a MacArthur, but the administration would probably prefer a more discreet consultation.

That said, the situation in Afghanistan is very serious - and the White House should remain open to all informed opinions - especially from those fighting on the ground.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.