U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
A civics test applicant is asked about the body that has the power to declare war. Which branch of government possesses this power?
- AThe President
- BThe Secretary of Defense
- CThe Congress
- DThe Supreme Court
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The Congress
Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war. While the President serves as Commander in Chief, only Congress can formally declare war.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The President is the Commander in Chief but cannot declare war unilaterally.
- B. The Secretary of Defense is part of the executive branch and advises the President, but does not have the power to declare war.
- D. The Supreme Court interprets laws and the Constitution, it does not declare war.
Power to Declare War
The constitutional authority granted exclusively to the U.S. Congress to formally enter into a state of war.
- Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution
- President is Commander in Chief, but Congress declares war
- Last formal declaration was during World War II
Memory trick: Congress 'Con'ducts declarations of war.