The U.S. Constitution in Five Minutes - Joseph L. Smith
18. Can the President Start a War?
The U.S. Constitution in Five Minutes - Joseph L. Smith
Rebecca U. Thorpe [+]
University of Washington, Seattle
Rebecca U. Thorpe is an associate professor of political science at the University of Washington, Seattle. Her research focuses on institutional power and state violence in the U.S.
Description
Why is it that presidents can launch military operations overseas without congressional approval, despite Congress’ constitutional authority to declare war? While legal scholars disagree about the scope of the president’s war powers, changes in military spending and warfare empower modern presidents to act independently in matters of war and defense.