Amendment Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“The President, and government, will only control the militia when a part of them is in the actual service of the federal government, else, they are independent and not under the command of the president or the government. The states would control the militia, only when called out into the service of the state, and then the governor would be commander in chief where enumerated in the respective state constitution.”
About This Quote
Source The: Federalist Papers, No. 25, 1787
Militia are under state control unless federally activated, then they answer to national leadership.
In simple terms: Militia answer to states unless called to national service.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the dual authority of militia forces.
Themes
government
military
federalism
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- state emergencies
- national defense
- law enforcement
- disaster response
Key Concepts
civil-military relations
constitutional law
Questions to Reflect On
- How should states and federal government coordinate militia deployment?
- What safeguards prevent misuse of militia power?
A Different Perspective
Balancing state autonomy with national security can be politically contentious.
![“This [a state militia system] appears to me the only substitute that can be devised for a standing army, and the best possible security against it, if it should exist.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/86a/alexander-hamilton-619_2-amendment_this-a-state-militia-system-appears-to-m_756387.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)
