When discussing a controversial matter in our United States Constitution, few can be more divisive then that of “war powers”. Why has this topic withstood so many oppositions and difficulties in its existence? Perhaps the reasoning may be placed within the over-all vagueness of its delegation. That is not to imply, however, that the framers of the Constitution are to bare any of that blame. Both the Executive and Legislative branches of our federal government have taken on many contours of responsibility as generations have bestowed upon them more unique and complex matters.
Originally, the Constitution allowed for Congress to possess the sole accountability for any and all war making decisions by furnishing it the right to declare war via military action . However, it also provides that the President is to
be the Commander-in-Chief of said armed forces . Seemingly, a clear-cut division of power on this topic could be settled by allowing the President to command the military only after Congress has declared war, but politics as usual distorts the black and white into grey. This was proven by the actions of many early presidents. Polk sent soldiers to Mexico, Lincoln began the Civil War, and FDR assisted WWII well before a declaration of war .
Those arguments not withstanding; a curve ball is thrown in the President’s favor regarding war with Iraq; due to Congress permitting the president certain authorization for defense against weapons of mass destruction shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Continued controversy arises with the allegation for Congressional authorization being granted on false pretences;
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