The Declaration of War: One for the History Books? War Powers Resolution (WPR), Constitutional Provisions, War in Iraq, Modern Warfare and Conflicts, Commitment of U.S. Troops, War-Making Powers
Nonfiction, History, Military, United States, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International
| Author: | Progressive Management | ISBN: | 9781311608734 |
| Publisher: | Progressive Management | Publication: | April 19, 2016 |
| Imprint: | Smashwords Edition | Language: | English |
| Author: | Progressive Management |
| ISBN: | 9781311608734 |
| Publisher: | Progressive Management |
| Publication: | April 19, 2016 |
| Imprint: | Smashwords Edition |
| Language: | English |
This excellent report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction. The concept of the declaration of war has been a part of the American system of government since the Constitution was ratified in 1789. Its justification revolves around the requirement to manifest, via the legislative process, the backing of the American people regarding the involvement of U.S. combat forces. With such reasonable justification, one would expect to see the Congress approve a declaration of war in every application of U.S. military force. However, its history presents an inverse reality. Since 1798, the United States has involved its military forces in over 200 conflicts. Upon closer examination of these specific conflicts, it is important to note that a formal declaration of war was issued on only five occasions.
In 1973, a major step was taken to finally prescribe how this nation would send its troops to war. The passage of the War Powers Resolution (WPR) was seen by many as an attempt to rein-in the authority of the Commander-in-Chief to commit U.S. military forces. In reality, the WPR solidified the often tenuous relationship between the executive and legislative branches regarding the accepted method of introducing American troops into a crisis. Our latest success in the Persian Gulf, initiated solely within the guidelines of the WPR, raises further questions about the role of the formal declaration of war in future conflicts characterized as being rapid, limited and relatively bloodless affairs (hopefully). Accordingly, the declaration of war, while originally thought of as the preferred method in justifying the use of U.S. forces, is in reality a seldom-utilized concept whose utility has become increasingly diminished based on its infrequent use, the license granted the President by the WPR and the changing nature of modern warfare and the use of force.
This excellent report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction. The concept of the declaration of war has been a part of the American system of government since the Constitution was ratified in 1789. Its justification revolves around the requirement to manifest, via the legislative process, the backing of the American people regarding the involvement of U.S. combat forces. With such reasonable justification, one would expect to see the Congress approve a declaration of war in every application of U.S. military force. However, its history presents an inverse reality. Since 1798, the United States has involved its military forces in over 200 conflicts. Upon closer examination of these specific conflicts, it is important to note that a formal declaration of war was issued on only five occasions.
In 1973, a major step was taken to finally prescribe how this nation would send its troops to war. The passage of the War Powers Resolution (WPR) was seen by many as an attempt to rein-in the authority of the Commander-in-Chief to commit U.S. military forces. In reality, the WPR solidified the often tenuous relationship between the executive and legislative branches regarding the accepted method of introducing American troops into a crisis. Our latest success in the Persian Gulf, initiated solely within the guidelines of the WPR, raises further questions about the role of the formal declaration of war in future conflicts characterized as being rapid, limited and relatively bloodless affairs (hopefully). Accordingly, the declaration of war, while originally thought of as the preferred method in justifying the use of U.S. forces, is in reality a seldom-utilized concept whose utility has become increasingly diminished based on its infrequent use, the license granted the President by the WPR and the changing nature of modern warfare and the use of force.
