The war in Iran is unlawful and unconstitutional, but in post-World War II America, it is normal. For much of American history, presidents have steadily accumulated the power to wage war while Congress has gradually surrendered the constitutional authority that the Framers explicitly entrusted to it. James Madison argued that the executive branch is the branch “most interested in war, and most prone to it,” which is precisely why the Constitution deliberately divided the war power. Wars of choice generate unintended consequences, empower new enemies, create refugee crises and expand government power at home. Every unnecessary war expands executive authority, enlarges government, consumes wealth, risks American lives without clear necessity and diminishes personal liberty.