POLL: Can President Elevate Syrian Conflict Without Approval?

Created: 03 Sep, 2013

●

Updated: 21 Nov, 2022

●

1 min read

President Barack Obama meets in the Situation Room with his national security advisors to discuss strategy in Syria, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Secretary of State John Kerry, on behalf of President Obama, is before Congress seeking approval to perform military actions in Syria. The President, however, has indicated that he may pursue military action even if he doesn’t get Congressional approval.

Under Article 8, Section 1 of the Constitution, “Congress shall have the power to declare war." Yet, the US has engaged in acts of war without Congressional approval dating back to the Quasi War of the John Adams administration all the way up to contemporary conflicts as recent as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya.

The last time Congress actually declared war was World War II.

Outside of an immediate threat, should any president be allowed to authorize an act of war without Congressional approval? Answer our poll on the left of the page today!

Then, make sure to leave a comment to let us know why you voted the way you did:

Latest articles

In Oakland, Barbara Lee's RCV Strategy Seen as Critical to Mayoral Victory

In a dramatic shift following the April 15 special mayoral election in Oakland, former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee has been declared the winner, pulling into a commanding lead over former Councilmember Loren Taylor, as vote counting continues....

18 Apr, 2025

2 min read

Sanders and AOC Wrap 'Fighting Oligarchy' Tour and Bernie Takes the Mic at Coachella

US Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrapped up their Fighting Oligarchy Tour on April 16, after a five-day, seven-stop sweep through the West that drew nearly 150,000 people—capping it off with an unexpected appearance by Sanders at the Coachella music festival....

18 Apr, 2025

3 min read

Is Bernie Passing the Torch to AOC for the 2028 Presidential Election?

US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) continues to make waves in US politics. She is co-headlining rallies across the country with US Sen. Bernie Sanders as part of the "Fighting Oligarchy Tour," which has drawn large crowds even in GOP strongholds....

17 Apr, 2025

4 min read