Which body is responsible for declaring war?

The correct answer is that Congress is responsible for declaring war. This authority is rooted in the U.S. Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to declare war. This division of powers reflects the framers' intention to ensure that the decision to engage in warfare involves both houses of Congress, promoting a system of checks and balances.

While the President, as Commander-in-Chief, can direct military operations and respond to threats, only Congress has the constitutional authority to formally declare war. This distinction is important in the context of U.S. governance, as it emphasizes legislative oversight and the need for broader consensus in matters of military engagement.

The Senate and the House of Representatives both play critical roles in this process, but it is the full Congress that must act collectively to make a declaration of war, aligning with the principle that such a significant decision should not be made unilaterally by the executive.