Reply #23: That is from the Federalist Papers (#29) - not the Constitution or the 2nd amendment, [View All]

[jmg257]

or the Militia Act of 1792 when congress 1st did its duty per the Constitution. Hamilton had a vision - but that is not what was laid down by law. Not too many others (the States) trusted the new govt with so much power as to allow them complete control of the militias.

The Militias of the several States were well defined entities by this time - the Constitution made them a requirement - made them permanent, and after the federal Militia Act they became more standardized - duty was mandatory for most able-bodies males of certain ages. There was no "select Militia" - "eveyone" had to serve in their state militias, everyone had to arm themselves, & train/muster on occasion to become well regulated. (exemptions for legislators, public servants etc.)

The citizenry was the Militia - right up until the creation of the National Guard (circa 1903-1906).