A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves, and render regular troops in a great measure unnecessary. The powers to form and arm the militia, to appoint their officers, and to command their services, are very important; nor ought they in a confederated republic to be lodged, solely, in any one member of the government.Note the wariness of standing armies.
First, the constitution ought to secure a genuine and guard against a select militia, by providing that the militia shall always be kept well organized, armed, and disciplined, and include, according to the past and general usuage of the states, all men capable of bearing arms; and that all regulations tending to render this general militia useless and defenseless, by establishing select corps of militia or distinct bodies of military men not having permanent interests and attachments in the community, to be avoided. ….
I can’t find it now, but some states like NY actually have a clause or law or something that requires citizens to be ready to defend the state against either domestic or foreign enemies-