Quote by Noah Webster

Another source of power in government is a military force. But this, to be efficient, must be superior to any force that exists among the people, or which they can command; for otherwise this force would be annihilated, on the first exercise of acts of oppression. Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretense, raised in the United States. A military force, at the command of Congress, can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power, and jealous will instantly inspire the inclination to resist the execution of a law which appears to them unjust and oppressive...

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance and power of the people in a government system. It suggests that for a military force to be effective in ruling, it must be stronger than any potential force that the people could assemble. It also highlights the idea that a disarmed population is more easily controlled by a standing army. In contrast, in America, where the people have the right to bear arms, the people possess a force that is stronger than any regular troops, making it difficult for unjust and oppressive laws to be enforced. The quote emphasizes the significance of the people's power and their ability to resist laws they perceive as unjust.