At the Constitutional Convention, the framers changed the language of Congress’s war powers in Article I from “make war” to “declare war” to protect presidential prerogative in military affairs. As commander in chief, the president runs the military that Congress regulates and funds. The change to “declare war” permits the president to act unilaterally in defense of the country. However, if the Constitution is being followed, the president cannot start a war by himself. In addition to going toe-to-toe with the Nixon administration over the Vietnam War, Congress blocked funding to the Contras, forced a timetable for the U.S. to leave Lebanon after the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings and required U.S. withdrawal from Somalia.

Source: Washington Post March 12, 2026 07:50 UTC