[marktwain]

“As for the Constitutional mertis of Iraq. Authorization of force, is not a product or use in the Constitution. Congress can declare War, that's it.”

I do not believe that a formal “Declaration of War” was ever issued in the Barbary pirate wars, either, but they were supported by the Congress.

I suspect that many of the Indian wars never had a formal declaration of war either. Please let me know if you find any.

[okie01]

An "Authorization for the Use of Military Force" is the functional equivalent of a declaration of war.

The Constitution does not require those particular three words -- War Resolution, Authorization for the Use of Force, Order to Kick Butt would all work as well, so long as Congress approves them.