The Framers of the Constitution knew the importance of the separation of powers. This is why they allocated specific responsibilities to each of the three branches of the federal government: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. Among the responsibilities given to the legislative branch is the power to authorize or declare war.

Sadly, our legislators in Congress have abdicated many of their core responsibilities to the executive branch. With the dramatic growth of the regulatory state, this has had far-reaching consequences on the economy, harming job creation and middle-class households. Both Republicans and Democrats are responsible. Congress’s surrender of its war powers to the executive branch is just as alarming — and, again, both parties are to blame.