During a recent public statement about the deployment of National Guard troops to assist in managing unrest in a major U.S. city, a senior government official referenced a non-existent section of the U.S. Constitution. The official cited “Article 10” and a supposed section 12046 as restricting presidential authority over National Guard deployment without state-level approval.
However, the U.S. Constitution contains only seven articles. Experts later clarified that the reference likely intended to point to Title 10 of the United States Code, which outlines federal authority over military forces, including the National Guard.
Legal analysts noted that under certain circumstances, the President does have the authority to federalize National Guard units, a power exercised in past historical events to ensure national security or protect civil rights.
The statement has sparked public discussion and media coverage, highlighting the importance of accurate constitutional and legal references in official discourse.