Alexander Hamilton, a former Delegate to the Constitutional Convention from New York, using the pseudonym “Publius,” publishes “Federalist #26,” assuring that ratification of the proposed Constitution for the united States will not result in a permanent, standing (large, peacetime, professional) army as the State legislators through their two Senators will be able to prevent a military coup.  In paragraphs 10 and 11 he writes:

       [T]he State legislatures, who will always be not only vigilant but suspicious and jealous guardians of the rights of the citizens against encroachments from the federal government, will constantly have their attention awake to the conduct of the national rulers, and will be ready enough, if any thing improper appears, to sound the alarm to the people, and not only to be the VOICE, but, if necessary, the ARM of their discontent.

       Schemes to subvert the liberties of a great community REQUIRE TIME to mature them for execution.  An army, so large as seriously to menace those liberties, could only be formed by progressive augmentations; which would suppose, not merely a temporary combination between the legislature and executive, but a continued conspiracy for a series of time. … [T]he people should resolve to recall all the powers they have heretofore parted with out of their own hands, and to divide themselves into as many States as there are counties, in order that they may be able to manage their own concerns in person. [emphasis in the original]

       [updated 7/24/2026]