Which branch of government holds the power to declare war?

The correct answer is that the Legislative Branch holds the power to declare war. This authority is established in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to declare war, manage military forces, and regulate armed conflict. The Legislative Branch, comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives, serves as the body that oversees national policy decisions, including matters of war and peace.

Delegating the power to declare war to Congress reflects the framers' intention to avoid a concentration of military authority in the hands of a single individual, which could potentially lead to misuse of power. This also ensures a democratic process, requiring input and consent from the representatives of the people before entering into armed conflict.

Understanding the division of powers among different branches of government is critical for grasping the checks and balances that characterize the U.S. political system. The roles of the Executive Branch, which manages the military once war is declared, and the Judicial Branch, which interprets laws and their application, differ fundamentally from that of Congress in declaring war. The Federal Branch is not a recognized term commonly used to refer to a branch of government in the context of U.S. governance.