2 amendment Quote by George Mason
“A well-regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state; that standing armies, in time of peace, should be avoided as dangerous to liberty; and that in all cases the military should be under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power.”
About This Quote
Source Document: The Virginia Declaration of Rights, 1776
Advocates for a citizen militia as a safeguard of liberty, warning against standing armies.
In simple terms: Citizen militias protect freedom; standing armies threaten it.
Key Takeaway
Support civilian control of armed forces.
Themes
freedom
security
citizenry
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- national defense policy
- community safety drills
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
civilian control
military ethics
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Is a militia viable today?
- How can civilian oversight be ensured?
A Different Perspective
Modern security challenges may require professional forces.
![“When the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British parliament was advised by an artful man [Sir William Keith], who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people. That it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them. But that they should not do it openly…” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ba9/george-mason-8435_2-amendment_when-the-resolution-of-enslaving-america_844300.jpg)
![“Who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people, except a few public officers. But I cannot say who will be the militia of the future day. If that paper on the table [the Constitution] gets no alteration, the militia of the future day may not consist of all classes, high and low, and…” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5b8/george-mason-8435_2-amendment_who-are-the-militia-they-consist-now-of_1020490.jpg)
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
![“I charge [my sons] never to let the motives of private interest or ambition to influence them to betray, nor the terrors of poverty and disgrace, or the fear of danger or of death deter them from asserting the liberty of their country, and endeavoring to transmit to their posterity those sacred…” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/de1/george-mason-8435_ambition_i-charge-my-sons-never-to-let-the-motive_184620.jpg)
