Article XXII

This article exists because decisions about war are among the most consequential choices a government can make, affecting lives, national security, civil liberties, and public resources. Over time, concerns have grown that military actions can continue for years without clear objectives, meaningful congressional oversight, or sustained public accountability. 

This article strengthens democratic control over the use of military force by requiring clear congressional authorization, defined objectives, regular review, and greater transparency regarding military operations. It also emphasizes diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution as essential tools of national policy, helping ensure that military force remains a last resort rather than a default response.

Section 1 — Peace and Democratic Control of War

The preservation of peace is a fundamental objective of the Republic.

Military force shall be employed only when necessary to defend the United States, its constitutional order, its people, or obligations lawfully undertaken pursuant to this Constitution and the laws of the United States.

The decision to engage in sustained armed conflict shall remain subject to democratic accountability and the constitutional war powers of Congress.

The provisions of this Article shall be interpreted consistent with these principles.

Section 2 — Civilian Instruments of Peace

Congress and the Executive shall maintain civilian institutions of diplomacy, international engagement, development, and peaceful conflict resolution sufficient to provide meaningful non-military alternatives for the advancement of the national interest and the resolution of international disputes.

Such institutions shall be staffed, funded, and administered in a manner reasonably necessary to ensure their continued effectiveness, independence, and operational capacity.

Civilian diplomatic authority shall remain independent of military command except as otherwise authorized by law.

Section 3 — Military Force

For purposes of this Article, military force includes any sustained or substantial use of armed force, destructive capability, or coercive military power by or under the authority of the United States against foreign persons, organizations, or governments.

The provisions of this Article shall apply according to the substance, scale, duration, and foreseeable consequences of military action and shall not be evaded through terminology, classification, organizational structure, technological means, proxy arrangements, or alternative characterizations of such action.

Section 4 — Limitation of Military Authorizations

Any authorization for the use of military force shall identify the adversary, objectives, and scope of the authorized action.

Authorizations shall be limited in duration and shall remain subject to periodic congressional review and renewal.

No authorization shall be construed beyond its express terms, transferred to other adversaries, expanded to substantially different objectives, or interpreted to authorize military action beyond the scope approved by Congress.

Military force exercised beyond the scope of a valid authorization shall be unlawful.

Section 5 — Transparency and Democratic Accountability

The use of military force shall remain subject to meaningful congressional oversight and democratic accountability.

The Executive shall provide Congress with timely and sufficient information concerning any military action undertaken by or under the authority of the United States to permit the effective exercise of Congress's constitutional war powers and oversight responsibilities.

The existence, legal basis, objectives, and general scope of any military engagement shall not be concealed from Congress or the People except to the extent narrowly necessary to protect operational security and the safety of personnel.

Classification, secrecy, or executive privilege shall not be used to evade the requirements of this Article or to conceal the existence, duration, legal foundation, or scope of military action.

Section 6 — Preservation of Constitutional War Powers

Nothing in this Article shall be construed to diminish Congress's constitutional authority to declare war, raise and support armies, provide and maintain a navy, regulate the armed forces, or oversee the use of military force.

No statute, executive action, treaty interpretation, historical practice, or alternative characterization of military action shall be construed to expand military authority beyond the limitations established by this Article.