Amendment Quote by Patrick Henry
“First, the constitution ought to secure a genuine and guard against a select militia, by providing that the militia shall always be kept well organized, armed, and disciplined, and include, according to the past and general usuage of the states, all men capable of bearing arms; and that all regulations tending to render this general militia useless and defenceless, by establishing select corps of militia, or distinct bodies of military men, not having permanent interests and attachments in the community to be avoided.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788
The passage argues for a well‑organized, armed militia composed of all capable men, warning against reliance on select, detached military bodies that lack community ties.
In simple terms: A strong, community‑based militia prevents reliance on detached forces.
Key Takeaway
Support broad, disciplined citizen defense.
Themes
defense
citizenship
militia
community
security
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- local defense planning
- policy drafting
- community training
- historical analysis
- civic education
Key Concepts
collective responsibility
military organization
civilian arms
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the risks of a solely citizen‑based defense?
- How can community ties be maintained in modern forces?
A Different Perspective
May overlook modern professional military needs.
![“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)
