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.
Interpretation
This quote explains the relationship between the militia and government authority.
Alexander Hamilton emphasizes that while the federal government can control the militia when it is in active service, the militia remains independent outside this context. He points out that state governments retain authority over the militia when they are called into state service, highlighting the distinction between federal and state power in relation to armed forces.
In practice
In a discussion about gun rights and state versus federal authority, this quote can illustrate the foundational beliefs of the framers of the Constitution.
When men, engaged in unjustifiable pursuits, are aware that obstructions may come from a quarter which bare apprehension of opposition from doing what they would with eagerness rush into if no such external impediments were to be feared.
The tendency of a national bank is to increase public and private credit. The former gives power to the state, for the protection of its rights and interests: and the latter facilitates and extends the operations of commerce among individuals. Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state.
It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.
The Achaeans soon experienced, as often happens, that a victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.
The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
The true principle of a republic is that the people should choose whom they please to govern them. Representation is imperfect, in proportion as the current of popular favor is checked. The great source of free government, popular election, should be perfectly pure, and the most unbounded liberty allowed.
I have learned two lessons in my life: first, there are no sufficient literary, psychological, or historical answers to human tragedy, only moral ones. Second, just as despair can come to one another only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings.
We would be in a nasty position indeed if empirical science were the only kind of science possible.
War gives the right to the conquerors to impose any condition they please upon the vanquished.
Mob rule is always extremely dangerous for the future of democracy.
To remember oneself means the same thing as to be aware of oneself - I am. It is not a function, not thinking, not feeling; it is a different state of consciousness.
This very moment I may, if I desire, become the friend of God.
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