According to the Insurrection Act of 1807, the President can employ the U.S. Armed Forces and the National Guard to address insurrections, civil disorder, or the failure to enforce federal laws when requested by a state's legislature or governor, or when the state is unable, fails, or refuses to protect constitutionally secured rights.

Additionally, the President can call the National Guard into federal service without state consent in cases of rebellion, invasion, or when federal laws are obstructed, making it impracticable to enforce them.