Anti-Washington (constitutionalist) Representative James Madison, of the Commonwealth of Virginia, using the pseudonym “Helvidius,” publishes and open letter to Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, that Article I Section 8 [Clause 10] clearly and wisely denies the president the power to declare war:
In no part of the constitution is more wisdom to be found than in the clause which confides the question of war or peace to the legislature, and not to the executive department. … [T]he temptation would be too great for any one man.
[added 10/23/2021]
Subsequent Events:
References:
“Helvidius” Number 4, [14 September] 1793
founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-15-02-0070
Sending the U.S. to war is not the president’s call
www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2008/0820/p09s02-coop.html
Current U.s. National Debt:
