Article I. Declaration of Rights
Article I, Section 24
Constitution of the State of Tennessee
Official text
That the sure and certain defense of a free people, is a well regulated militia; and, as standing armies in time of peace are dangerous to freedom, they ought to be avoided as far as the circumstances and safety of the community will admit; and that in all cases the military shall be kept in strict subordination to the civil authority.
Source: Tennessee Blue Book 2025-2026 (Tennessee Secretary of State)
In plain English
A well regulated militia is the "sure and certain defense of a free people." Standing armies in peacetime are dangerous to freedom and should be avoided as far as safety allows, and the military must always be kept strictly under civilian authority.
Plain-English summary drafted by Christian Vote USA; editor review pending. Always read the official text above.
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