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

The ability to declare war is granted to Congress according to the U.S. Constitution. This power is outlined in Article I, Section 8, which specifies that Congress has the authority to declare war, raise and support armies, and maintain a navy.

The rationale behind giving this power to Congress is rooted in the founding principles of the United States, which emphasize a system of checks and balances among the branches of government. By requiring Congressional approval for war declarations, the framers aimed to ensure that such a significant decision would require deliberation and consensus rather than being made unilaterally by the executive branch. This reflects the belief that war is a grave matter that impacts the nation as a whole and should involve the representation and voice of the people through their elected representatives in Congress.

In contrast, the President is designated as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, allowing for immediate military action in emergencies without a formal declaration of war. However, the constitutional requirement for Congress to declare war maintains the balance of power and the democratic process in such critical decisions. State governors do not possess any authority to declare war, as their powers are limited to their respective states.