Rich Neel dives into the often-misunderstood concept of a militia, dissecting its historical and modern interpretations. He explains that militias were originally envisioned as organized groups of citizens ready to defend their states, acting as a crucial supplement to national defense. In the context of the Second Amendment, militias were intended to serve as a check against both external threats and internal tyranny.

Neel discusses how the term “militia” has evolved, noting that some modern groups adopt the label to assert themselves as constitutional defenders. However, he points out ambiguities in their legality and function. For instance, while state-recognized militias are constitutionally established and can act as extensions of the National Guard, unregulated militias often operate without clear oversight, leading to debates about their legitimacy.

He references recent legislative attempts, such as Senate Bill 3589, aimed at addressing paramilitary actions and public safety concerns. Although such measures often stall in Congress, they highlight the ongoing tension between the concept of militias and modern governance. Neel closes the section by emphasizing the importance of understanding this complex and evolving element of the Second Amendment.