Constitution Day Event

War Without a Declaration? Unpacking Presidential Power and Congressional Authority

This annual event commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. Each year, a panel of experts examines a pressing constitutional issue. This year’s discussion turns to presidential power and congressional authority in times of conflict.

While Article II makes the president the Commander in Chief, Article I gives Congress the exclusive power to declare war. So what happens when presidents take military action abroad without Congressional approval? Join us for a dynamic discussion on the separation of powers, the War Powers Act of 1973, and how these constitutional questions have played out from 2001 to the present.

Mark the date: Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon PT.

Serving as panelists are CSUN political science professors Leigh Bradberry and Pooya Safarzadeh. The conversation will be moderated by Sherry Sidick, student success and client relations specialist at the Tseng College.

This panel discussion and Q&A will be held online via Zoom, allowing participants to join from anywhere. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and join the discussion. The event is free, but registration is required by Sept. 10.

For more information and to register, visit Constitution Day page.