War Powers Clause
/ˈwôr ˈpauərz klôz/
Definitions
- (n.) A constitutional provision granting the legislative branch the authority to declare war and regulate armed forces.
The War Powers Clause empowers Congress to decide when the nation goes to war.
- (n.) A clause that limits the executive’s ability to engage in military conflict without legislative approval.
The president must comply with the War Powers Clause before deploying troops abroad.
Forms
- war powers clause
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often requires scrutiny of the balance between executive and legislative war-making powers, important in separation of powers analysis.
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.