The War Powers are derived from the Constitution, but, when once set in motion, are without any restraint from the Constitution; so that what is done in pursuance of them is at the same time under the Constitution and outside the Constitution.
Sumner explains the dual nature of War Powers as both constitutional and unrestricted once activated.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
This will be the FREEDOM POWER, whose single object will be to resist the SLAVE POWER.
But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.
Controlled by such a code, employing such representatives, sustained by such agencies, animated by such Furies, and producing such fruits of tears and bitterness, it must be open to question.
Their existence is a disgrace to civilization; for it implies the common consent of nations to the Arbitrament of War, as regulated by these laws.
Other voices in this conversation
