Which group has the power to declare war?

The power to declare war rests with Congress as a whole, which includes both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This division of power is established in the U.S. Constitution, specifically in Article I, Section 8. The framers of the Constitution intended for war powers to be a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration between the legislative branch and the executive branch, thereby ensuring that a single individual or branch cannot unilaterally decide to go to war without the consent of the people's representatives.

While the President does have the authority to act as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, this role is intended for military operations and immediate defense actions rather than formal declarations of war. The involvement of both chambers of Congress emphasizes the importance of deliberation and representation in such a significant decision as declaring war. The collective nature of this power ensures that multiple viewpoints and interests are considered, reflecting the democratic principles upon which the United States was founded.