Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom of Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States.

Year: 1787
Context: An Examination into the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution
Shortlink: http://fq1.us/a1

Notations: