A declaration of war is a formal declaration issued by a national government indicating that a state of war exists between that nation and another. In the United States, Article One, Section Eight of the Constitution says "Congress shall have power to ... declare War". 250 years ago, War was any act of open agression against another state. Today, President Urkel is trying to re-write Webster.
The idea of seperation of Powers was designed to prevent government from acting or over reacting too quickly. It forced discussion and consideration prior to acting. The President is Commander in Chief as defined by the Constitution, but he does not have the power or authority to "declare war" or begin a war without Congressional approval. This is to prevent stupid acts of chest pounding. Five times in the History of the United States Congress did declare War:
• The War of 1812 against Britain
• The Mexican - American War
• The Spanish - American War
• World War I
• World War II
War may be necessary. Our Constitution makes it clear that the process of going to WAR requires consideration and approval from Congress, and perhaps the voters. Events of the last half century have shown us that we cannot allow the President, regardless of intentions, to circumvent the Constitution. America should not be at War unless we fully agree that it is in the best interest of our country.
Currently we are involved in four Wars: iRock, Effenstan, Libya, and Yemen. None of these have proven to be in our best interest. They are far too expensive. They drain our national wealth and they are hurting our military. We need to return to the Consitution and require all Wars to be dclared by Congress alone. Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul are correct to file suit to limit the powers of the President.
The idea of seperation of Powers was designed to prevent government from acting or over reacting too quickly. It forced discussion and consideration prior to acting. The President is Commander in Chief as defined by the Constitution, but he does not have the power or authority to "declare war" or begin a war without Congressional approval. This is to prevent stupid acts of chest pounding. Five times in the History of the United States Congress did declare War:
• The War of 1812 against Britain
• The Mexican - American War
• The Spanish - American War
• World War I
• World War II
War may be necessary. Our Constitution makes it clear that the process of going to WAR requires consideration and approval from Congress, and perhaps the voters. Events of the last half century have shown us that we cannot allow the President, regardless of intentions, to circumvent the Constitution. America should not be at War unless we fully agree that it is in the best interest of our country.
Currently we are involved in four Wars: iRock, Effenstan, Libya, and Yemen. None of these have proven to be in our best interest. They are far too expensive. They drain our national wealth and they are hurting our military. We need to return to the Consitution and require all Wars to be dclared by Congress alone. Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul are correct to file suit to limit the powers of the President.
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