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Book: The U.S. Constitution in Five Minutes

Chapter: 18. Can the President Start a War?

DOI: 10.1558/equinox.43578

Blurb:

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.

Chapter Contributors

  • Rebecca U. Thorpe (bthorpe@uw.edu - rthorpe) 'University of Washington, Seattle'