2 amendment Quote by George Mason
“I ask you sir, who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: 1770s, on militia and popular sovereignty
The militia now comprises the entire populace, reflecting the power of the people in governance.
In simple terms: People themselves form the militia, embodying collective power.
Key Takeaway
Empower citizen participation in defense and governance.
Themes
citizenship
militia
democracy
collective power
republic
Mood
patriotic
serious
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- local defense
- community organizing
- political education
- public meetings
Key Concepts
social contract
popular sovereignty
civic duty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens balance civic duty with expertise?
- What safeguards ensure militia accountability?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on a militia may lack professional expertise.
![“Militias, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves and include all men capable of bearing arms. [...] To preserve liberty it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.” quote by Richard Henry Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4cf/richard-henry-lee-32108_2-amendment_militias-when-properly-formed-are-in-fac_1843730.jpg)
![“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)
![“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)
