The War Powers Resolution of 1973 is the act of Congress that restricted the president's power to commit U.S. military forces to foreign countries without congressional approval. This legislation requires the president to consult with Congress before engaging in military actions and mandates that troops be withdrawn after 60 days unless Congress authorizes a longer deployment or declares war. The resolution aims to ensure that Congress retains its constitutional authority over decisions related to military engagement.
War Powers Act
As commander in chief of the armed forces
True
Presidents do not need the approval to send troops anywhere in the world. However, generally the president attempts to have a consensus with Congress when sending troops somewhere.
The advantage of getting congressional approval is that you will have political goodwill, the disadvantage is it might take long to get the approval.
An executive agreement is an example of an action that does not require congressional approval. It is an agreement by heads of government, and is less formal than a treaty.
executive agreement
Without congressional approval
The President has unfettered, exclusive power to remove his appointees without approval from the legislature. This power is restricted to those whose positions are units of, and subordinate to, the executive department.
Without congressional approval
The President does have the power to veto Congressional legislation that comes to him for approval. However, Congress has the ability to override his veto with two thirds of the Congress.
From Wikipedia: Before passage by Congress of the Former Presidents Act (FPA) in 1958, retired Presidents did not receive a pension. All living Presidents in 1959 began to receive a pension of $25,000 per year, an office and a staff. The pension has increased numerous times with Congressional approval. Retired Presidents now receive a pension based on the salary of the current administration's cabinet secretaries (Executive Level I), which is $191,300 as of 2008.[22] Some former Presidents have also collected congressional pensions.[23] The FPA, as amended, also provides former presidents with travel funds and mailing privileges.