Who has the power to declare war according to the Constitution?

The Constitution grants the power to declare war specifically to Congress. This division of power is rooted in the Founding Fathers' intention to create a system of checks and balances. By vesting this authority in Congress, the framers aimed to ensure that the decision to go to war, which has far-reaching implications, would be made through deliberation and democratic processes rather than unilateral action by the executive branch.

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution explicitly states that Congress has the power to declare war. This includes the responsibility to raise and support armies, provide and maintain a navy, and regulate armed forces. While the President, as Commander in Chief of the armed forces, does have significant military authority to conduct war once a declaration is made, the initial decision to declare war lies with Congress. This delineation helps maintain a balance of power between the legislative and executive branches.

Thus, Congress's role in declaring war emphasizes the democratic principles of accountability and representation, allowing elected representatives to weigh the decisions faced by the nation in matters of conflict and military engagement.