The president can call out the national guard to ensure
the security and safety of citizens in critical situations such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or other emergencies. The National Guard, which is a reserve military force, can be deployed by the president to provide support and assistance to state and local authorities.
The president's power to call out the National Guard is derived from the Constitution, specifically the "Militia Clause" in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the authority to "provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions."
In practice, the president typically calls out the National Guard at the request of a state governor. The governor may request assistance when state resources are overwhelmed or when the situation requires additional manpower and expertise. The president then has the authority to mobilize and deploy the National Guard to the affected areas.
Once the National Guard is called out, they are under the command of the governor, who can direct them to perform various tasks such as maintaining order, providing disaster relief, distributing supplies, and conducting search and rescue operations. However, the president retains ultimate authority over the National Guard and can federalize them if necessary, placing them under the direct command of the federal government.
It is important to note that the president's power to call out the National Guard is subject to legal restrictions and limitations. The Posse Comitatus Act, for example, prohibits the use of federal military forces for domestic law enforcement unless authorized by Congress or in cases of emergency. Additionally, the use of the National Guard must adhere to the principles of federalism, respecting the rights and authority of state and local governments.