You are mistaking State for Government. The State simply exists, that is why it has to be defended. The State does not act by itself (it is the Government, "in

You are mistaking State for Government. The State simply exists, that is why it has to be defended. The State does not act by itself (it is the Government, "in its name"). This is why the State would be defenseless if prosecutors did not exist, and this is why separation of powers is so important. I know I am speaking roughly and without technicalities, but the fact that the Government does something does not imply that the State wants is (which is, for example, why the 4th amendment exists: in order to protect, in some way, the State from the Government). And that is why the Constitution is above all mandates of the Government, even if they have been approved by Congress and the military are 'pushing' them. "The interests of the public at large" is what is meant by the State. That is why trials (those dealing with the Federation) begin with the words "The US vs whomever", not "The Government of the US" or "The President of the US".