The True Meaning of "Well Regulated"

The Random House College Dictionary (1980) gives four definitions for the word "regulate," all of which were in use during the Colonial period and one more definition dating from 1690 (Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd Edition, 1989). They are as follows:

1) To control or direct by a rule, principle, method, etc.

2) To adjust to some standard or requirement as for amount, degree, etc.

3) To adjust so as to ensure accuracy of operation.

4) To put in good order.

[1690 - also in common use during the American Colonial period.]

b. Of troops: Properly disciplined. Obs. rare-1.

1690 Lond. Gaz. No. 2568/3 We hear likewise that the French are in a great Allarm in Dauphine and Bresse, not having at present 1500 Men of regulated Troops on that side.

 

More confirmation of what well-regulated meant from Alexander Hamilton's words in Federalist Paper No. 29:

The project of disciplining all the militia of the United States is as futile as it would be injurious if it were capable of being carried into execution. A tolerable expertness in military movements is a business that requires time and practice. It is not a day, nor a week nor even a month, that will suffice for the attainment of it. To oblige the great body of the yeomanry and of the other classes of the citizens to be under arms for the purpose of going through military exercises and evolutions, as often as might be necessary to acquire the degree of perfection which would entitle them to the character of a well regulated militia, would be a real grievance to the people and a serious public inconvenience and loss.
        --- The Federalist Papers, No. 29.

 

Hamilton indicates a well-regulated militia is a state of preparedness obtained after rigorous and persistent training. Note the use of 'disciplining' which indicates discipline could be synonymous with well-trained.

 

This quote from the Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 also conveys the meaning of well regulated:

Resolved , That this appointment be conferred on experienced and vigilant general officers, who are acquainted with whatever relates to the general economy, manoeuvres and discipline of a well regulated army.
        --- Saturday, December 13, 1777.

 

"I am unacquainted with the extent of your works, and consequently ignorant of the number or men necessary to man them. If your present numbers should be insufficient for that purpose, I would then by all means advise your making up the deficiency out of the best regulated militia that can be got."
        --- George Washington

(The Writings of George Washington, pp. 503-4, G.P. Putnam & Sons, pub.1889)

The above quote is clearly not a request for a militia with the best set of rules and regulations.

 

"But Dr Sir I am Afraid it would blunt the keen edge they have at present which might be keept sharp for the Shawnese &c: I am convinced it would be Attended by considerable desertions. And perhaps raise a Spirit of Discontent not easily Queld amongst the best regulated troops, but much more so amongst men unused to the Yoak of Military Discipline."

        --- Letter from Colonel William Fleming to Col. Adam Stephen, Oct 8, 1774, pp. 237-8. (Documentary History of Dunmore's War, 1774, Wisconsin historical society, pub. 1905)

 

The above quoted passages and many more support the fact that a well-regulated militia clearly meant and still means a militia that was or is thoroughly trained and disciplined, and as a result, well-functioning. That definition and meaning fits the definitions supplied by the Random House dictionary. The Oxford dictionary definition also clearly fits since discipline in a military context includes being well-trained.

 

Bill of Rights Amendment II

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

What about the text of the 2nd. Amendment itself? Remember words have meaning, and we must go back to the original meaning and the original intent, not what today's scholars and lawmakers would like for it to mean or twist it into meaning.  "A well regulated Militia, ..."  Consider the true meaning of the word "regulate" and then consider the adjective "well" and the context of the militia clause, then ask yourself the following questions. Which is more likely to ensure "the security of a free state"? A militia governed by numerous laws and/or the proper amount of government regulations; or a well-disciplined and trained militia? This brief textual analysis supports the fact that a government regulated State controlled Militia is not what our founding fathers had in mind when they wrote the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  When these men wrote the Second Amendment they had in mind a battle ready combat force of freemen and therefore the correct interpretation of well regulated Militia is a well disciplined, trained, drilled, functioning, and combat ready Militia.

And finally, when the word regulated is used as an adjective, its meaning varies depending on the noun it is modifying and of course the context. For example: well regulated liberty (means properly controlled liberty), regulated rifle (means a rifle adjusted for accuracy), and regulated commerce (means commerce governed by regulations) all express a different meaning for regulated. This is by no means unusual and is very common in the English language, just as the word, bear, conveys a different meaning depending on the word it modifies: bear arms (to carry firearms), bear fruit, and bear gifts.  Then of course there is an altogether different type of word, yet the same word only this time a noun - "bear" - which is of course a wild animal that roams the woods of North America.  Long may the bears and the American Militiamen roam the forest and mountain of North America!

 

FREEDOM!

"I ask, Sir, What is the militia? It is the whole people...To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them." --George Mason (One of the framers of the U.S. Constitution)

"...every citizen who enjoys the protection of a free government, owes not only a proportion of his property, but even of his personal services to the defence of it, and consequently that the citizens of America (with a few legal and official exceptions) from 18 to 50 years of age should be borne on the militia rolls, provided with uniform arms, and so far accustomed to them that the total strength of the country might be called forth at a short notice on any very interesting emergency." --George Washington

~ Liberty Brigades in Defiance of Tyranny! ~