Was the Qasem Soleimani Strike Constitutional?

The U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian military leader Gen. Qasem Soleimani last week raised numerous legal and constitutional controversies. War powers experts John Bellinger and Oona Hathaway join host Jeffrey Rosen to explain those controversies.

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Airstrikes, "Imminent Threats," and the Constitution

War powers experts John Yoo, Deborah Pearlstein, and Ben Wittes joined Jeffrey Rosen in 2017 for this conversation on the president’s ability to order unilateral airstrikes, the definition of “imminent threats,” and more.

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Thomas Paine: The Original Publishing Viral Superstar

by NCC staff

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On This Day: Wilson's 14 Points Puts U.S. on World Diplomatic Stage

by NCC staff

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House Passes Resolution to Limit War Powers

The House voted 224-194 to pass a resolution aimed at limiting the president's war powers in the wake of the unilateral airstrike that killed Iranian military leader Gen. Qasem Soleimani. The resolution aims to assert “Congress’s long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further Congressional action is taken, the Administration’s military hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days.” Because the resolution is non-binding, it will not go to President Trump's desk for signature.

Analysis from the National Constitution Center

Soleimani Airstrike Raises Legal, Constitutional Questions Constitution Daily article by Robert Black

The Declare War Clause

"The Congress shall have Power... To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water..."

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About the National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling our congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.”

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