Who ultimately holds the decision-making power to use military force under the Constitution?

The power to make decisions regarding the use of military force in the United States is ultimately vested in the American people through their elected representatives. This principle is rooted in the framework of democracy, where elected officials are accountable to their constituents. The Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances, where Congress, as a representative body, holds the authority to declare war and allocate funding for military operations. This ensures that decisions about military action reflect the will of the electorate.

While the President has significant authority as the Commander-in-Chief to direct military operations, this power is not absolute and must operate within the boundaries set by Congress. The Framers of the Constitution intended for Congress to have a key role in matters of war and peace, which reflects the collective judgment of the American people rather than unilateral executive action. This collaborative approach is designed to prevent the misuse of military power and promote accountability in military engagements.

In contrast, the other choices imply more unilateral or concentrated forms of power that do not align with the democratic principles established by the Constitution.