MILITIAS, WHEN PROPERLY FORMED, ARE IN FACT THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES AND INCLUDE ALL MEN CAPABLE OF BEARING ARMS. TO PRESERVE LIBERTY IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE WHOLE BODY OF THE PEOPLE ALWAYS POSSESS ARMS AND BE TAUGHT ALIKE, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUNG, HOW TO USE THEM. SENATOR RICHARD HENRY LEE, 1788, ON "MILITIA" IN THE 2ND AMENDMENT
