1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

"In no part of the constitution is more wisdom to be found than in the clause which confides the question of war or peace to the legislature, and not to the executive department." James Madison "The Constitution vests the power of declaring War with Congress, therefore no offensive expedition of importance can be undertaken until after they shall have deliberated upon the subject, and authorised such a measure." George Washington 50 U.S.C. § 1541 (C) PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE POWER AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF; LIMITATION The constitutional powers of the President as Commander-in-Chief to introduce United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, are exercised only pursuant to (1) a declaration of war, (2) specific statutory authorization, or (3) a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces. (Pub. L. 93-148, 32, Nov. 7, 1973, 87 Stat. 555.)