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Why did the Founding Fathers want limited government and civilian control over the military?

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Final answer:

The Founding Fathers wanted limited government and civilian control over the military to protect individual rights, prevent tyranny, and maintain a balance of power between the federal government and the states.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Founding Fathers wanted limited government and civilian control over the military for several reasons. Firstly, they believed in the principle of limited government, which means that the power of the government should be restricted to protect individual rights and prevent tyranny. By limiting the power of the government, they could ensure that the rights and freedoms of the people were protected.

Secondly, the Founding Fathers understood the dangers of a standing army. They had experienced the tyranny of British military rule during the American Revolution and wanted to prevent a similar situation in the new nation. They believed that civilian control over the military was essential to prevent the military from becoming too powerful and oppressive.

Lastly, the Founding Fathers wanted to maintain a balance of power between the federal government and the states. They wanted to avoid a centralized government that could potentially infringe on the rights of the states or the people. By limiting the power of the federal government and giving more power to the states, they aimed to prevent the concentration of power and ensure a system of checks and balances.

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