Constitutional War Powers

/ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃənəl wɔr ˈpaʊərz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The authority granted by a constitution to a government to declare and conduct war.
    The president's constitutional war powers allow for military action without a formal declaration of war by Congress.
  2. (n.) The division of war-related powers between executive and legislative branches as established by constitutional law.
    The debate over the constitutional war powers often centers on the appropriate role of Congress versus the president.

Forms

  • constitutional war powers

Commentary

This term encompasses both the scope and limitations of governmental authority regarding war under a constitution; usage often involves nuanced balance between executive initiative and legislative approval.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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