Howcan the U.S. be involved in wars such as Vietnam in the absece of a decleration of war by congress?

Answer 1

Congress decided it wasn't a war so gave President Kennedy their accent and later gave President Johnson a resolution because of an alleged naval attack by the northern Vietnamese. It's very similar to what happened in Iraq - Congress agreed with the President and the world that Iraq was a threat so allowed military action. With the speed that attacks can occur and the amount of destruction they can cause, the 18th century idea of a declared war is dying out - it just takes too long to respond and the results of waiting can be catastrophic. Of course, giving that power to an individual could be just as bad but Congress still must approve troops within a certain amount of time of an action.

Answer 2

Nothing in the US Constitution, says that Congress must declare war, before US military forces can be used.

Nothing in the US Constitution says exactly how Congress must declare war.

All the Constitution says, is the power to declare war, resides with the Congress.

That's a pretty open ended statement, without much real meaning.

And Congress itself, has not helped matters.

They have never tried to define the meaning of that passage.

They have actually went the other way, by passing the
"war powers act "

To in essense, authorize the president to use military force where and when he thinks it's needed.

As long as he notifies Congress within 30 days.

Answer 3

The President is Commander in Chief of the armed forces. He can make the decision to send them where adn when he likes. No declaration of war is required. President George Washington sent the Army after the Native American Confederation of the chief Blue Jacket in what is today Ohio. President John Adams employed the US Navy against the French. President Thomas Jefferson sent the Navy and Marines against the Barbary Pirates. None of these had Declarations of War, though they did have Congressional support through funding and other legislative authorization, though after the fact. These being actions of founders, it must be in keeping with their intent that it work his way.

Vietnam was no diferent, though our involvement began with observer/advisors sent by Eisehnower, Formal assistance and material support under Kennedy and then full combat participation under Johnson.

Answer 4

The President has control of the Marines, he can send them to do whatever he wants, including, starting wars. That may sound problematic, but you really don't want to have to rely on Congress for declaring wars, they deliberate and procrastinate everything, just look at World War II.

Sometimes they also find loop-holes, like not offiicially calling it a war, or being part of a task force, like the UN, or NATO.

Answer 5

Just imagine the fiasco if Congress had full control of the military... if someone attacked us, it could take MONTHS for a counterattack to even get out of the planning stage, much less be carried out...

Answer 6

President can send them anywhere for 60 days. But if congress doesnt say anything about it, he can keep them there as long as he wants. Public opinion in congress was very supportive of war. They said it was support and policing. just like Iraq

Answer 7

It started out as a conflict where the U.S. only sent military adviser's. The south needed training and the military presence increased. The word "conflict" is the term used where a declaration was unnecessary as we got involved into the fight.

Answer 8

i don't know, but i think it began as helping south vietnam with fighting north vietnam. I'm just guessing, but i think a vet of that war could tell you. good luck

Answer 9

blame it on the united nations