At the convening of the Republican (constitutionalist) Seventh Constitutional Congress, Republican President Jefferson states his case against the maintenance of a standing (large, peacetime, professional) army:
For defense against invasion their [a standing army] number is as nothing, nor is it conceived needful or safe that a standing army should be kept up in time of peace for that purpose. Uncertain as we must ever be of the particular point in our circumference where an enemy may choose to invade us, the only force which can be ready at every point and competent to oppose them is the body of the neighboring citizens as formed into a militia.
[restored 8/15/2026]
Subsequent Events:
Authority:
Article II, Section 3
ccc-2point0.com/constitution-for-the-united-states
References:
Thomas J. DiLorenzo, Hamilton’s Curse: How Jefferson’s Archenemy Betrayed the American Revolution—and What It Means for America Today, (New York: Crown Forum, 2008), 33.
Current U.s. National Debt:
