Who Declares War?

Article 1, the War Powers Resolution, and the Question Congress has been avoiding for 75 years.

This is a hot topic since we’ve been involved in a conflict with Iran since joint US/Israeli attacks began on February 28th. Now, it’s important that you know that as I pen this article, President Trump has declared for the THIRTY-NINTH time, that a cease-fire has been reached. We’ll see if that comes to actual fruition, but I want to add this to our Imperial Presidency stack. And, as always, it’s important to begin with that age-old question: What does the Constitution say? Well, you can read it for yourself if you’d like, but if you’re short on time, I can just tell you: Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war (among other things… this is a long list of congress’ enumerated or expressed powers). Not the president. Congress.