""Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed.""
— House Debate #2: Individual Arms
House of Representatives debate, 1789
Historical Significance
Legislative record showing individual armament as liberty protection
Context
Congressional discussion of relationship between arms and liberty
Context
Congressional discussion of relationship between arms and liberty
Historical Significance
Legislative record showing individual armament as liberty protection