2 amendment Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“...that standing army can never be formidable (threatening) to the liberties of the people, while there is a large body of citizens, little if at all inferior to them in the use of arms.”
About This Quote
Source The Federalist Papers, No. 23, 1787
A large, armed citizenry safeguards liberty better than a standing army.
In simple terms: Citizens with arms protect freedom.
Key Takeaway
Empower citizens in defense.
Themes
freedom
citizen militia
defense
political theory
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- national security
- public policy
- community defense
- civil rights
Key Concepts
republicanism
civil liberty
military balance
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent militia abuse?
- How to balance security and liberty?
A Different Perspective
A well‑armed populace can threaten social stability.
![“Those who have the command of the arms in a country are masters of the state, and have it in their power to make what revolutions they please. [Thus,] there is no end to observations on the difference between the measures likely to be pursued by a minister backed by a standing army, and those of a…” quote by Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/29b/aristotle-78_arms_those-who-have-the-command-of-the-arms-i_401262.jpg)
![“[W]ar is a question, under our constitution, not of Executive, but of Legislative cognizance. It belongs to Congress to say whether the Nation shall of choice dismiss the olive branch and unfurl the banners of War.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd8/alexander-hamilton-619_banner_w-ar-is-a-question-under-our-constitutio_33383.jpg)
![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
