The Army

At the start of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress approved the establishment of an Army on June 14, 1775. Then, the Continental Congress approved George Washington to be the commander-in-chief, before he was even president.

Following the Treaty of Paris, the Army was greatly reduced to 700. The Articles of Confederation left the power to raise an army to the states, who could also declare war (with certain circumstances).

All that changed with the Constitution. Article I, Section 8, clause 12 authorizes Congress to raise and support the army. This can be a sticky clause because it gives Congress the implied power of a military draft. This has been brought to the Supreme Court.