War Powers in the Age of Terrors

Source:  http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/31/opinion/31bacevich.html

Constitutional Connection: Article 1,The Legislative Branch, Section 8
 "To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;"

Explanation of Connection:  In this article the author wants to point out that the power that Congress was given by the Constitution to declare war has not been used by Congress. Since 1945 Presidents have taken the lead in making the decision to declare war on countries they feel are a threat to the United States. When Condelleeza Rice was asked about possible military involvement in Iraq and the need for ccongressional authorization, she answered,  "I don't want to try and circumscribe presidential war powers," she said, adding that "the president retains those powers in the war on terrorism and in the war in Iraq."

Article 1, Section 8 clearly states that Congress has the authority to declare war. Ms. Rice comments gives the perception that the president has the ultimate power. The author of the article believes that the people of the United States has granted these powers to Congress and they should practice that authority. Blacevich feels that instead of giving the Executive Branch all the power to determine the seriousness of any conflict they should be more involved in the decision to declare war.

I feel that the government represents the people of the United States. So Congress, made of the House of Representatives and Senate, should exercise their power their power to declare war. If you allow the President to have the power to declare war you might sacrifice the balance of powers. No one person should have the power to declare war. It should take into consideration the opinions of the people. This could be done through Congress.