QuoteProject
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.
Alexander Hamilton
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

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.

Themes

MilitiaGovernmentState ControlFederal AuthorityHamilton

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about gun rights and state versus federal authority, this quote can illustrate the foundational beliefs of the framers of the Constitution.

More from Alexander Hamilton

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.
Alexander HamiltonRead
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.
Alexander HamiltonRead
It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.
Alexander HamiltonRead
The Achaeans soon experienced, as often happens, that a victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.
Alexander HamiltonRead
The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
Alexander HamiltonRead
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.
Alexander HamiltonRead

Similar quotes

There haven't been enough profound things written about what being black means and what a black character is. Nobody knows.
James Earl JonesRead
In our society, the ideal self is bold, gregarious, and comfortable in the spotlight. We like to think that we value individuality, but mostly we admire the type of individual who's comfortable 'putting himself out there.'
Susan CainRead
I dream that I have found us both again, With spring so many strangers' lives away, And we, so free, Out walking by the sea, With someone else's paper words to say.... They took us at the gates of green return, Too lost by then to stop, and ask them why- Do children meet again? Does any trace remain, Along the superhighways of July?
Thomas PynchonRead
Our histories cling to us. We are shaped by where we come from.
Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieRead
I believe, if we take habitual drunkards as a class, their heads and their hearts will bear an advantageous comparison with those of any other class. There seems ever to have been a proneness in the brilliant and warm-blooded to fall into this vice.
Abraham LincolnRead
The Same organizing forces that have shaped nature in all her forms are also responsible for the structure of our minds.
Werner HeisenbergRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.