The president may propose it, but it must be approved by congress before it's a formal declaration of war.
The president may propose it, but it must be approved by congress before it's a formal declaration of war.
The speech was before the U.S. Congress, in Washington, D.C., December 8, 1941. Background: The President of the United States does not have the power to "declare war." The U.S. Constitution reserves that power to the Congress. As Commander in Chief, the President has some powers -- or has assumed some powers -- to use military action, but a "declaration of war" is in the hands of the Congress. In that famous speech, FDR asked Congress for a declaration of war: "I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire." When Congress issued the declaration, FDR, as President, signed it.
A formal declaration of war can only be made by Congress.
A US President does not have the right to declare war. The most he/she can do in that respect is to request a declaration of war from Congress, to legally persuade members of Congress to vote for the declaration, and to request others to legally persuade members of Congress to vote for the decalration. Congress did vote in favor of the declaration of war, but it was by the smallest margin of any declaration of war in US history.
To make and pass laws and get to declare war and coin money
A true declaration of war can only be done by congress.
Congress.
The declaration of war is the sole power and authority to Congress. That said, the American President retains broad authority to conduct military operations and maneuvers for a certain period before requiring Congressional consent via the War Powers Act of 1973.
The War Powers Resolution of 1973 was prompted by presidents sending troops without a formal declaration of war by Congress. Presidents had violated Congress' power over 100 times.
The First Continental Congress originally called for peace. When peace was not possible a declaration of war was issued and a declaration of independence.
In relation to war, Congress has the power to declare war. They also have the power to control the funding of the war.