George Washington presided as delegates to the Federal Convention in Philadelphia drew up the United States Constitution in some four months of 1787. Signers numbered 39, of 55 who attended, representing 12 states (Rhode Island absent).
History taught them “the executive is the branch of power most interested in war, and most prone to it” (James Madison). Monarchs often made war “for purposes and objects merely personal, such as a thirst for military glory, revenge for personal affronts, ambition …” (John Jay). To discourage war, delegates allowed only Congress “to declare [i.e. initiate] war” (Article I, Section 8, Clause 11). Läs artikel