Rise and Decline of the American Militia System, The
Humphries, Michael O
The Rise And Decline Of The American Militia System Author: James B. Whisker. Available from: Associated University Presses (Dept. AR), 440 Forsgate Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512; (609) 655– 4770. Hardbound 8 3/4″x11 1/4″-438 pp. Price: $65 + $3.50 shipping.
Professor Whisker has written a well-documented, compelling study of the American militia system. In the introduction, he argues that many studies on the right to keep and bear arms incorrectly interpret the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and similar provisions contained in state constitutions. In thoroughly researched chapters, Whisker contends that such provisions referred to all citizens with– in a republic-the “citizen-soldiers” who would make up any militia. By looking at the history of the growth and decline of the militia system in America, the author develops a finely detailed argument. Also, he places the debate in historical context by examining the role that the militia was intended to take through European, American and ancient Grecian political thought. Whisker effectively demonstrates that the Second Amendment and similar state provisions did in fact refer to all citizens, an argument of great relevance to our time.-MICHAEL O. HUMPHRIES
Copyright National Rifle Association of America Nov/Dec 2000
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