This issue in focus.

• Author: Zack, Ian

Dear Teachers,

Your students have read about "checks and balances" in their textbooks, but the debate about attacking Syria in response to its government's use of chemical weapons provides a perfect real-world example for them to sink their teeth into.

Our article "Going to War: Who Decides?" lays out, in question-and-answer format, the Constitutional division of war powers between the president and Congress, and how it has played out during the nation's history--up to today.

Be sure to first show your students our video "Crisis in Syria" to give them an...