U.S. Constitution and Oath of Enlistment
Sergeant Mackey, Wayne R Jr.
FA Staff Sergeant Schiffbauer
Sergeant’s School 5-23
Stearns 2
The military is over-sought by civilians to achieve a more perfect union; where the public
has rights to their own homes so soldiers may not quarter, obtain firearms for protection, and
follow their preferred faith without ridicule from the state. Due to the founding fathers’ struggles
with their previous country, they saw a better way to accomplish a better life. Civilian control
over the military allows a democracy and not an authoritarian state.
Dr. Kohn stated, “Civilian control allows a nation to base its values and purposes, its
institutions and practices, on the popular will rather than on the choices of military leaders,
whose outlook by definition focuses on the need for internal order and external security.” (1997).
Popular will is not unanimous amongst the people, hence why different political parties push
their agendas to make a society they believe is correct. That is the beauty of America, the values
of society differ. An authoritarian state will not allow its subjects to be different. It must be
homogeneous and free of individualism. To ensure an authoritarian state will not come to
fruition was to emplace checks and balances, The Constitution of The United States, and the
ability to have a civilian Commander in Chief.
To summarize, to achieve a more perfect union the founding fathers established a
representative democracy. Where civilian voices can be heard by another individual to
substantiate the issues and concerns to come to a solution deemed fit by the populace. The
absence of an authoritarian state allows free thought and will to be had.
Stearns 3
Bibliography
“An Essay on Civilian Control of the Military | American Diplomacy Est 1996,” March 1, 1997.
https://americandiplomacy.web.unc.edu/1997/03/an-essay-on-civilian-control-of-themilitary/.