Senator Chris Dodd’s Reelection Bid

This discussion will focus on whether or not Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) will be or ought to be relected to the U.S. Senate. Much has been made of Dodd’s role in the banking crisis and his past support of the AIG bonuses. Recently, his apporval ratings have dropped to 33 percent. For the first time in a long time he faces a tough battle against Republican candidates. The questions: Do you tihnk his nearly 30 years of service in the Senate will and/or should come to an end? What are the reasons you can give for your responses?

Who has the power to declare war–the President or Congress?

I would like students in both my American Government and U.S. Constitution courses to consider what the Constitution says about the power to declare war. It seems that the document contains a great deal of ambiguity regarding this issue. I also want you to apply your understanding of the constitutional power to declare war to the conflict in Iraq. Was the decision to go into Iraq constitutionally legitimate? If so, on what grounds? If not, who should be held responsible for this constitutional breach?