Question

How did the founders solve the problem of a too powerful military

Answer 1

The founders addressed the potential for a too powerful military by dividing control of the military between the legislative and executive branches, establishing a system of checks and balances, and reducing the professional military in favor of training at West Point.

Step-by-step explanation:

The founders of the United States were cautious about the concentration of power within a standing military that could be manipulated by a single entity or person. To address these concerns, they carefully outlined the powers of the legislative and executive branches in managing the armed forces in the Constitution. Congress was given the power to raise and support Armies and to provide and maintain a Navy, ensuring a balance that would prevent the military from becoming too powerful. Furthermore, President Jefferson's approach involved reducing the size of the professional military, relying on militias, and focusing on the training of professional officers by establishing the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1802.

Additionally, the tension between different factions, such as the Republicans and Federalists, influenced decisions on military funding and the size of the forces. The system of checks and balances intended to prevent any one branch from having excessive control over military decisions, and the promotion of mixed governance attempted to mitigate the potential for corruption and concentration of power.

Answer 2

With the goal to prevent a military that could run the country through its own fire power, the founding fathers came up with a single and elegant solution.

The military in the USA is run by a civilian. Obviously, not any civilian, but the one in the highest rank of the executive branch. So no matter how important your rank is in the armed forces, the President of the United States is the one calling the shots.