I think the constitution invests its commander-in-chief, with the law of war, in time of war.
Abraham Lincoln, August 26, 1863
This political cartoon appeared in February 1863. Can you name the figures facing Lincoln’s chopping block?
Lincoln and the Laws of War
“I felt that measures, otherwise unconstitutional, might become lawful, by becoming indispensable to the preservation of the constitution, through the preservation of the nation. Right or wrong, I assumed this ground, and now avow it.” —Abraham Lincoln, April 4, 1864
- Chronology of Powers
- Presidents act
- Congress reacts
- Courts review
- People decide
Discussion Question
Where in the U.S. constitution can you find the phrase, “separation of powers”?
And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God.
Discussion Question
Where does this sentence come from? Who wrote it? What does it mean?
For a related project from the Student Hall of Fame, see Daniel Kline, Francis Lieber (Fall 2021)