The Feds Run the Militia? - Federalist #29
In Federalist #29 Alexander Hamilton counters arguments against the Federal Government’s power to control State Militias.
Federalist #29
January 9, 1788
Alexander Hamilton
Out of Order
To discuss Federalist #29, we need to jump forward in time.
This Paper was actually published after #36, but it is considered the 29th Federalist because it relates to concerns regarding the use of force by the National Government which Alexander Hamilton had been discussing the previous few weeks.
You see, Hamilton went on to write seven Papers regarding taxation after (in his mind) the discussion on military force was completed. However, when several essays were published in New York Newspapers with new criticisms of the Constitution, Hamilton circled back for one final rebuttal on this topic.
Therefore, although this Federalist was written after numbers 30-36, it is considered #29.
Concerning the Militia
As we’ve seen before, Hamilton’s frustration with his readers is apparent. Often, it seems as though he is in the middle of a debate and, instead of keeping a cool head, has begun to shout.
At this point, Anti-Federalists had begun to criticize the Constitution for its ability to regulate State Militias.
State Militias were seen as the best defense against a tyrannical government’s use of a Standing Army (which Hamilton was a strong proponent of). Why, then, would the same government who controlled the Standing Army also be given control of the State Militias?
Is that not a recipe for disaster?
Hamilton’s Response
Hamilton’s response was twofold.
First, if the National Government needed to defend itself, and the State Militias were the best for of defense, then the National Government should have access to said Militias for the good of the Union.
Second, permitting the National Government to control the State Militias was actually the best protection against tyranny. If the Militias were larger than the Standing Army, they would not have to fear suppression from that Army.
Furthermore, since Militias were made up of citizen-soldiers, they would never follow commands from the National Government to oppress the very communities they live and work in. As Hamilton said, ‘Where, in the name of common-sense, are our fears to end if we may not trust our sons, our brothers, our neighbors, our fellow citizens?’
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