Article 1, Section 8, Paragraphs 16
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
States Organize & Discipline
States run the Militias.
The Militias were in place before the Constitution. This statement recognizes that the Militias were under State control and should stay there. The States were to appoint the Officers. The Congress was to govern the training rules and penalties for insubordination. The States were to enforce these rules. Of course, the Congress was to keep the rules general, allowing the States to be more stringent. The differing Militias could then be stricter and more specific.
There are several reasons this setup is better than a Military controlled by a President.
First, it is too easy for one person to dictate policy, purpose, and engagements. This power is almost always overwhelmingly abused.
Second, there is a human habit of using available military might. There is too much enticement to find reasons to make war and so wax "great" in power and prowess.
Third, citizens are locked out of the loop. It is their lives and families that are directly impacted by warfare.
Fourth, it is too easy to turn a Military on the Citizens, and enforce "presidential" policy.
The Constitution safe-guarded such abuses:
First, Warfare had to be approved by local Representatives from each county area. Citizens must have a direct means of stopping or initiating warfare. They must especially be vigilant that any “action” is not taken against themselves.
Second, States had a direct input to cancel or initiate a war effort through the Senators. Thus, States’ rights were protected. Any efforts that may harm the States would be cancelled.
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