Existing comment:
The Constitution:
The foundation of the American system of government, the Constitution authorized the national government to "provide for the common defense" and to "insure domestic tranquility."
Enacted in 1789, the militia clauses of the Constitution refer to states' authority to create militia. Congress was given power to "regulate" the militia.
Uniform Militia Act:
This Act, which was passed by Congress in 1792, required enrollment of all able-bodied white males, 18-45, and required militiamen to purchase their own arms. It was the key law governing the militia system for the next 111 years.
The Whiskey Rebellion:
In 1794, President George Washington authorized the governors of four states to call forth the militia to put down a public rebellion against a new tax on whiskey. Over 12,500 militiamen were called upon to quell the rebellion, representing the first time that the militia acted as a national force to "insure domestic tranquility."
Professionalism of the Military:
During the early years of the new republic, more emphasis was placed on military schooling and literature on the art of warfare. Professional regulars and volunteers replaced the common militia as the foundation for national defense. New technology emerged, including the use of percussion caps, which permitted faster firing of rifles. In 1802, the U.S. Military Academy was established at West Point, New York. |