The Declare War Clause, Part 8: Vietnam War Through 21st-Century Conflicts

This episode examines the complex history of the U.S. "Declare War" Clause, focusing on presidential actions in Vietnam and subsequent conflicts. We analyzes the legal justifications used by various presidents for military interventions without explicit congressional declarations of war, highlighting differing interpretations of the President's inherent powers versus Congress's power to declare war. Key events discussed include the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, the War Powers Resolution, and military actions from the Persian Gulf War through the early 21st century. We also notes judicial involvement in several cases challenging the constitutionality of these actions, mostly finding such questions nonjusticiable. Ultimately, we illustrates the ongoing tension between executive and legislative branches regarding war powers.