Why is it that our Presidents never declare war?

Question

We have for the past 60 years had a policy that allows Presidents to pursue "Police Actions" and avoid going to Congress and ask for them to declare war. Isn't this unconstitutional? Why? Why not?

Answer 1

Because the President is not allowed to declare war.

That is the sole authority of Congress, under Article I Section 8.

And as of the War Powers Act of 1973, the president is not allowed to send troops overseas for any significant period or in any significant number without either a declaration of war, or an "Authorization for the Use of Military Force" (AUMF).

Answer 2

Only Congress can declare war. It's in the Constitution.

Answer 3

Please search through the articles of the constitution and tell me how your governments' "police actions" against other "states" violates those rights. A simple summary of the Constitution is that it defines your rights as they relate to your relationship with your government, not the government to the world.

Would you prefer that war be officially declared with every ill-defined insurgent and terrorist group we encounter? When these groups dissolve and reform into a group under a different name ... would it be "unconstitional" for the declaration of war to transfer over?

We have declared war ... on terrorists. Congress has been made aware.

Answer 4

Our Constitution gives the right to declare War to Congress, but Congress is afraid to Challenge the President when he wants to show how "MACHO" he is, Therefore they allow 1000's of good young men to die without need.

Answer 5

there needs to be more than one person making a huge decision such as war , you would think this would stop the pointing fingers at bush problem , but for some reason does not

Answer 6

They better like to sleep in their offices.