Cannot the people resist the government?
#FOUND15
This has sometimes been done, and is sometimes necessary. There are certain ways to resist governmental power that are legal, and others that are not.
Related questions
- #FOUND14Why do people obey government? (Foundations of the Republic)Because the government has the legal means to punish by the forced confiscation of property and the exercising of violence upon those who disobey.
- #JUD272What is the Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrate? (Courts, States, and Constitutional Order)The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrate teaches that when the superior or higher ranking civil authority makes unconstitutional or immoral policies, the lower or lesser ranking civil authority has both...
- #JUD271Is there any recourse for the State, if the Courts are misinterpreting the Constitution or if laws are being enforced (or not enforced) despotically or prejudicially? (Courts, States, and Constitutional Order)Yes, the Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrate demands that all elected offices - even smaller State or local magistrates - must defend the Constitution of the United States. Within their means and abilit...
- #POW144What is a militia? (Powers of Congress)A militia is a group of armed citizens, who are not within the United States military, but who have chosen to bear arms to protect themselves or others.
- #RGTS294What is the primary intent of the Second Amendment? (Rights and Amendments)The primary intent of the Second Amendment is to ensure that a well-armed citizenry can provide the ultimate check and balance against governmental tyranny.
- #POW143Has the United States no other defense than to depend upon hired soldiers? (Powers of Congress)The country may also have militias raised up among the people to defend the nation.
- #POW145Does a militia only exist in order to protect the nation against foreign powers? (Powers of Congress)No, a militia may protect the nation against unrest, injustice, or a tyrannical domestic government.
- #POW146May Congress command the militia? (Powers of Congress)The Congress may command the militia, upon the agreement of the militia. A free nation requires a militia that is not beholden to a government that may be or become corrupt.
- #POW147Must a militia be an organized para-military unit? (Powers of Congress)No, a militia is any number of citizens that are armed and willing to protect the nation. It does not have to be structured like the United States military.
- #EXE205Are the officers of the militia obliged to obey them? (Presidency and Executive Power)Officers of the militia are obliged to obey the Commander in Chief, unless such orders are themselves unconstitutional or if he has himself, become an enemy of the United States.
- #REV24Did the colonists sin against God by rebelling against Great Britain? (Colonies, Revolution, and Union)No, not at all. Great Britain surrendered the colonists as their citizens when they denied them representation in Parliament. The colonists were citizens where they were represented, which was in thei...
- #RGTS290To whom does the Second Amendment secure this right? (Rights and Amendments)To private citizens, who comprise a militia.