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

The Constitution grants the power to declare war specifically to Congress, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. This provision reflects the framers' intent to ensure that the decision to engage in armed conflict is made by elected representatives, rather than by a single individual. This requirement is rooted in the desire to incorporate a system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch of government from wielding too much power in matters of war.

By conferring this power upon Congress, the Constitution establishes a democratic process for such a significant decision that affects the nation as a whole. The role of the President, while pivotal in military strategy and execution as Commander in Chief of the armed forces, does not include the formal power to declare war; instead, the President can direct military operations once Congress has authorized action. This delineation between legislative authority in declaring war and executive authority in conducting military operations reflects the balance of power integral to the U.S. political system.