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Federalist No. 28
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Federalist Papers, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Importance of the Constitution
The Necessity of a Strong Union
Leadership and Representation
Checks and Balances
Federal Power vs. States Rights
Summary
Analysis
Alexander Hamilton argues that a well-regulated militia, controlled by the federal government, is essential for national defense and maintaining order. He criticizes the idea that every citizen should serve in the militia, explaining that it would be impractical and disruptive to daily life. Instead, he advocates for a smaller, well-trained militia under federal oversight, ensuring that it is effective without burdening the entire population. Hamilton reassures readers that a federally regulated militia is not a threat to liberty. Unlike a standing army, which some fear could be used to oppress the people, a militia consists of citizens who are part of their own communities. Because they would not easily turn against their fellow Americans, a militia is a safer option for defense. He also argues that state militias alone are not enough; they must be organized under national authority to ensure consistency and readiness in times of crisis.
Hamilton’s proposal of a smaller, well-trained militia strikes a balance between a full standing army—often associated with tyranny—and the impractical idea of arming the entire population. This approach draws from Enlightenment thinking on “civic militarism,” where the defense of a republic rests with its citizens, but it also acknowledges the logistical challenges of involving every citizen in national defense. Hamilton’s model avoids the disruptions that a universal militia would cause to economic and social life while still preserving the principle of a citizen-based defense force. By emphasizing that the militia would be composed of ordinary citizens, Hamilton addresses Anti-Federalist concerns about government overreach. He frames the militia as inherently self-regulating, made up of individuals unlikely to turn against their own communities. In this way, Hamilton’s concept of a militia is quite unlike a detached standing army.
Themes
