Army Quote by Samuel Adams
“A standing army, however necessary it may be at some times, is always dangerous to the liberties of the people. Such power should be watched with a jealous eye.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Massachusetts Provincial Congress, 1775
A standing army threatens liberty; vigilance is required to prevent governmental overreach.
In simple terms: Standing armies can endanger freedom.
Key Takeaway
Guard against military overreach.
Themes
liberty
military power
citizen vigilance
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- national defense debates
- policy making
- public protests
Key Concepts
political theory
civil rights
checks and balances
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance security and liberty?
- What mechanisms ensure military accountability?
A Different Perspective
Security needs sometimes justify a standing force.
![“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)
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
