Army Quote by James Madison
![“The Constitution expressly and exclusively vests in the Legislature the power of declaring a state of war [and] the power of raising armies… A delegation of such powers [to the President] would have struck, not only at the fabric of our Constitution, but at the foundation of all well organized and…” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1e3/james-madison-373_army_the-constitution-expressly-and-exclusive_277138.jpg)
“The Constitution expressly and exclusively vests in the Legislature the power of declaring a state of war [and] the power of raising armies… A delegation of such powers [to the President] would have struck, not only at the fabric of our Constitution, but at the foundation of all well organized and well checked governments. The separation of the power of declaring war from that of conducting it, is wisely contrived to exclude the danger of its being declared for the sake of its being conducted.”
About This Quote
Source Federalist Papers, No. 23, 1788, United States Constitution discussion
The Constitution deliberately separates war‑declaring authority to the Legislature from war‑conduct authority to the President to prevent abuse of power.
In simple terms: Legislature declares war, President conducts it, to avoid misuse.
Key Takeaway
Preserve checks and balances in war powers.
Themes
government
law
war
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- parliamentary debates
- military engagements
- policy making
Key Concepts
separation of powers
constitutional design
checks and balances
Questions to Reflect On
- Should the President have more flexibility in emergencies?
- How can Congress ensure timely war decisions?
A Different Perspective
Balancing swift response with oversight can be challenging.
![“It is certain that every class is interested in [educational] establishments which give to the human mind its highest improvements, and to every Country its truest and most durable celebrity.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/964/james-madison-373_certain_it-is-certain-that-every-class-is-intere_22217.jpg)
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
