Outline

The National Guard Units

1. Explain the insurrection act of 1807

1. The insurrection act of 1807 allows the head of state to deploy the military or the National Guard to enforce laws on particular occasions.

2. When should the National Guard be deployed during unexpected civil discord? Why?

1. Per state law, the National Guard forces can be activated by governors to respond to domestic emergencies such as civil disturbances and natural disasters.

3. Is there a possibility of increased discord when the National Guard is deployed to domestic emergencies? Why or why not? Use examples to strengthen your position.

1. There is a great possibility of discord when the national guards are deployed to domestic emergencies.

4. Who should ultimately be responsible for militarized emergency response efforts? Why?

1. The person responsible for militarized emergency response efforts depends on the nature of the event.

5. Compare the difference in the historical deployment of the National Guard and the recent deployment of federal officers/agents to deal with civil discord. Be specific.

1. There is no difference in the historical deployment of the national guards and the recent deployment of federal officers to respond with civil discord.

The National Guard Units

Explain the insurrection act of 1807

                   The insurrection act of 1807 allows the head of state to deploy the military or the National Guard to enforce laws on particular occasions. This Act expanded upon the Military Act of 1972, which permitted the leader to command state militias in situations such as an invasion or an insurrection from any foreign country or Indian tribe. It can be invoked in a scenario such as insurrection against the state law (Vladeck, 2020). In such a situation, the state government calls for federal support in restoring order. Additionally, the insurrection Act can be referred to if there is an insurrection against federal law. Crucially, after the end of the civil war, another provision allowed the head of state to invoke this Act without the state's permission. One condition of this provision was when the state failed to protect the citizens' constitutional rights. Many presidents have applied the insurrection Act throughout U.S. history. Presidents such as Lyndon Johnson used it in response to riots and desegregation.

When should the National Guard be deployed during unexpected civil discord? Why?

                   Per state law, the National Guard forces can be activated by governors to respond to domestic emergencies such as civil disturbances and natural disasters. One good example is Nixon's action in Missouri after the state was stricken by a catastrophic tornado that affected most parts of Joplin City in 2011. The main reason why National Guard forces are usually called to assist with such issues as citizens are more desperate to save lives and their property (Burke & McNeil, 2016). However, instances where national guards have been deployed to quell civil disturbances, are significantly less common. The reason being, calling out the national guards for cases such as floods while calling them out for unrest and riots moves away into the excessive use of force.

Is there a possibility of increased discord when the National Guard is deployed to domestic emergencies? Why or why not? Use examples to strengthen your position.

                   There is a great possibility of discord when the national guards are deployed to domestic emergencies. On the other hand, there is no such possibility. In this regard, this possibility is determined by the nature of the unexpected issue. For example, when national guards are deployed to respond to natural calamities causing adverse impacts, conflicts will not arise. This is because, in such events, citizens usually work together with guards as they really need them. Conversely, when national guards are called out to respond to cases such as riots, conflicts are likely to occur. The reason being, citizens and the units are working against each other. In more severe riots, the guards are likely to use excessive force that may cause serious injuries or even death to the people rioting. For example, in1970, National Guard forces responded to student anti-war riots that occurred at Kent State University.  When the troops ran out of tear gas, students threw bottles bricks at them (Guterbock, 2020). The soldiers opened fire, leading to the killing of four students and injuring nine.

Who should ultimately be responsible for militarized emergency response efforts? Why?

                   The person responsible for militarized emergency response efforts depends on the nature of the event. This event can be categorized into two groups: if the event resulted from domestic or foreign factors. In this concern, issues arising from domestic factors should be dealt with by the governors. On the other hand, those caused by foreign elements such as terrorism should be the president's responsibility. This argument explains the role or the need of the governors in the country. If the president's office is left to handle all the issues affecting the country, then inefficiency is likely to be experienced in their operations. Governors are more likely to respond to domestic issues as they are closer to the citizens than the President (Burke & McNeil, 2016). Also, relieving the president from many roles will improve their performance by focusing on few problems.

Compare the difference in the historical deployment of the National Guard and the recent deployment of federal officers/agents to deal with civil discord. Be specific.

                   There is no difference in the historical deployment of the national guards and the recent deployment of federal officers to respond with civil discord. In 1965, President Johnson applied his powers and federalized the Alabama National Guard to maintain civil order. In this event, State troopers were seen harassing and beating up civil rights protesters. The same case was observed in 1968 when National Guards were deployed after the assassination of Martin Luther King. Comparing this to the deployment of federal officers today, as much as they are seen to uphold the people's rights, they have been causing more harm to the citizens. A good example is the incidence of death of George Floyd that was caused by the extreme use of force. This event led to more damage as people rioted in the streets (Burke & McNeil, 2016). The major differences that can be spotted in the two deployments are that the historical guards were not well trained, and the forces consisted of white men only. The recent deployment of federal agents shows that women and African Americans are included and well trained.