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War Declaration 1812

Page history last edited by Mr. Hengsterman 11 years, 5 months ago

Section of Constitution

Article I Section 8 The Congress shall have Power to....

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water

COMMENTARY: An early draft of the Constitution gave Congress the power to “make” war, not just “declare” it. But in the end, the framers decided to split the war powers between the Congress and the president. Congress declares war, and then the president as commander-in-chief makes the necessary military decisions. However, Congress has declared war only five times, but U.S. forces were involved in many more armed conflicts.

Class Connection

The decision to go to war is one of the most serious an American president faces. On June 1, 1812, President Madison sent a letter—later dubbed his war message—to both houses of Congress. In it, he listed a series of transgressions Great Britain had committed against the U.S. He also explained his decision not to recommend war with France at that time.

Multiple Choice Questions

Thematic Essay Questions

Additional Resources