What was a key concern for Jefferson regarding a standing army during peacetime?

A key concern for Jefferson regarding a standing army during peacetime was that it could lead to military dictatorship. Jefferson believed that a permanent military force, especially in times of peace, posed a risk to the liberties of the citizens and the democratic principles of the republic. He was wary of a strong centralized government wielding too much power, and he feared that a standing army could become an instrument of oppression. This apprehension was rooted in historical examples where armies had been used to suppress dissent or to impose authoritarian rule. Jefferson advocated for a more civilian-oriented national defense, suggesting that militias composed of ordinary citizens would be a preferable way to ensure national security without endangering the political freedoms of the populace.