Alabama Constitution Section 27 - Standing army; military subordinate to civil power.
Alabama Constitution – Section 27: Standing Army; Military Subordinate to Civil Power
Text:
"No standing army shall be kept up without the consent of the legislature, and the military shall in all cases be in strict subordination to the civil power."
Explanation:
This section places limits on military power within the state:
No Standing Army Without Consent:
A standing army (a permanent, professional military force) cannot be maintained by the state unless the Alabama Legislature approves it.
Military Must Obey Civil Authority:
In all circumstances, the military must remain under the control of civilian government. This prevents military forces from overriding or taking control over civilian institutions or laws.
Purpose:
This provision reflects a fundamental principle of American democracy — civilian control of the military — ensuring that military forces do not threaten democratic governance or individual freedoms. It also guards against the rise of authoritarian rule or military coups.
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