Gun Control & RKBA
In reply to the discussion: Why "a free state" as opposed to "the state"? [View all]jmg257
(11,996 posts)although originally entities of the "common wealths" at first - the colonies already had militias/militia acts. They would continue to be state entities long after.
The Articles of Confederation codified them as being mandatory for the "new" states, as members of the Union, to provide, the Constitution followed suit (but provided for more federal control over them). Hence the Constitutional term "Militia of the Several States" (and the lack of a definition in the Constiiution - they were well understood entities at that time & for decades had predated the USC).
"Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union between the states of..
...but every State shall always keep up a well-regulated and disciplined militia, sufficiently armed and accoutered, and shall provide..."
USC
"The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States"
Since it was the State Militias that were designated the all important role of protecting OUR liberties/freedoms, even when called into federal service, the use of "free" makes sense.
"calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions"