The United States Constitution grants Congress the authority to enforce military drafts, used during five major conflicts, including peacetime drafts. Current societal support for the military and draft is notably low. Historical context reveals that the draft originated with colonial militias, reinforcing community defense and evolved into formal practices with acts like the 1917 Selective Service Act. Changes were made to address previous inadequacies, but resistance, including draft evasion and imprisonment, has been a consistent theme. Given today's geopolitical climate and domestic sentiments, the likelihood and structure of any future draft remain in question.
The draft has been used infrequently throughout American history, primarily to bolster military forces in major conflicts, with notable drafts occurring during both wartime and peacetime.
Public support for the military draft appears to be at an all-time low, reflecting a significant shift in societal attitudes towards conscription and military engagement.
Collection
[
|
...
]