Which branch has the power to declare war?

• A. The Congress
• B. The President
• C. The Supreme Court
• D. The States

Answer: (A)

In the United States, the authority to declare war sits with Congress, the legislative branch. This power is granted in the Constitution to ensure that decisions about going to war are made by elected representatives who can weigh the broader national interest, rather than by a single executive. The President serves as Commander in Chief and can direct military forces, but only Congress can formally declare war and authorize military funding and policy changes. The Supreme Court interprets laws, not authorizes armed conflict, and the states do not have the power to declare war. In practice, presidents may deploy forces for limited engagements or obtain other authorizations, but a formal declaration of war is a Congressional prerogative.