The Declare War Clause, Part 4: Jurisprudence and Practice and Early American Conflicts

Government Explained [United States]

This episode examines the Supreme Court's jurisprudence on the Declare War Clause of the U.S. Constitution, focusing on early American conflicts. We explores key cases from the Quasi-War with France, the War of 1812, and the Mexican War, highlighting how judicial interpretations shaped the understanding of war powers. We cover the Court's reluctance to directly address interbranch disputes over initiating military action and reveals how legislative and executive branch practices have influenced constitutional interpretations. We examines the limits of presidential power during wartime and the legislative branch’s role in authorizing military actions. We also discuss unresolved constitutional questions from these conflicts which were addressed in later Supreme Court cases.