Quote:
Originally Posted by Teak
The fact that only only specific job assigned to the President, by the Constitution, is "Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy" kind of speaks volumes in that regard.
|
There was a tremendous amount of debate over the standing army issue. The constitution does provide for a standing (floating??) navy but is mute on the issue of an army. It was assumed at the time the federal government's sole role was the protection of the individual states from foreign invasion. The state militias would provide for the defense of the state. Elbridge Gerry, then governor of Mass declared in a debate "A standing army is like a standing member, while it insures domestic tranquility it offers a temptation for foreign adventure"
I think the standing army issue can be hinged on "providing for the common defense"