Original Author: Alexander Hamilton
Why the national government must be able to keep a standing army to protect the country
A standing army is a group of trained soldiers who are always ready to defend the country, even during peacetime.
It is important because: Threats can happen suddenly, waiting to build an army during danger is too slow, and training soldiers takes time. The country needs protection ready in advance.
If each state tried to protect itself: Some states would be weaker than others, there would be no shared defense plan, resources would be wasted, and the country would not act together. This would make defense less effective.
A single national military system: Protects all states equally, uses resources more efficiently, responds faster to danger, and keeps the country united. Instead of many small, limited defenses, there is one strong system.
Some people are worried that standing armies could be dangerous because: They are always active. They could be used for the wrong reasons, and they are expensive. The danger of not having a standing army is even greater.
The government must be strong enough to protect the country but still organized under laws and rules so it does not become unfair or unsafe.
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