Although the United States has formally declared war only 5 times and these declarations cover a total of 11 separate instances against specific nations, there are currently 137 military conflicts included in these lists, 5 of which are ongoing.

These duties carry very broad powers, including the power to deploy American forces abroad and commit them to military operations when the President deems such action necessary to maintain the security and defense of the United States.

For the United States, Article One, Section Eight of the Constitution says "Congress shall have power to ... declare War." However, that passage provides no specific format for what form legislation must have in order to be considered a "declaration of war" nor does the Constitution itself use this term.