Nothing in our Constitution is plainer than that declaration of a war is entrusted only to Congress. Of course, a state of war may in fact exist without a formal declaration. But no doctrine that the Court could promulgate would seem to me more sinister and alarming than that a President whose conduct of foreign affairs is so largely uncontrolled, and often even is unknown, can vastly enlarge his mastery over the internal affairs of the country by his own commitment of the Nation's armed forces to some foreign venture.
More from Robert H. Jackson
The day that this country ceases to be free for irreligion it will cease to be free for religion - except for the sect that can win political power.
Permalink to quote #29 No penance would ever expiate the sin against free government of holding that a President can escape control of executive powers by law through assuming his mi…
Permalink to quote #31 It is possible to hold a faith with enough confidence to believe that what should be rendered to God does not need to be decided and collected by Caesar.
Permalink to quote #28