How can a democratic nation which distrusts centralized power create and maintain the institutions to defend itself without undermining the very liberty it is trying to perpetuate? In answering this central question, this volume begins with a detailed analysis of the constitutional framework for American national security and describes several major aspects of the American military service: the character and the role of the citizen-soldier; the experience of the regular army intervening to maintain internal order in American history; and the experience of black Americans in their efforts to serve equally in the nation"s armed forces. The book also explores the tensions within the civil-military relationship as exemplified by the dilemma posed for the army when Congress and the President gave conflicting guidance during the Reconstruction; George C. Marshall"s views of military subordination to civil authority; and the sacking of Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War. Finally, the book focuses on the role of the three branches of government in controlling the military and in making war and military policy during the 20th century. While chapters vary in topic and approach, each provide a comprehensive discussion of important and sometimes neglected or controversial aspects of the American military experience.