Brutus believes a standing army would be necessary under the proposed government primarily because the government might need to be prepared to repel attacks or invasions, especially before a formal declaration of war, which had become less common by that time. He acknowledged that there might be circumstances that require raising an army to defend the country, such as imminent threats or emergencies that demand a rapid military response. However, Brutus was deeply concerned that the power to maintain a standing army indefinitely, especially in peacetime, was dangerous to public liberty and could lead to the government becoming oppressive or tyrannical. He argued that while the government might need the authority to raise an army in emergencies, it should not have unrestricted power to keep a standing army because standing armies have historically been instruments of despotism and could be used to suppress the people's rights. Brutus feared that such power would ultimately threaten the freedoms of the people and disrupt the balance between the government and its citizens. In summary, Brutus sees a standing army as necessary for defense and readiness but is wary of the dangers it poses to liberty if kept indefinitely or abused by the government.