The 2nd Amendment Does Not allow Gun Control

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Throughout American History looking all the way back to the late 18th Century and the Revolutionary War, there have been many qualities that set America apart from all other countries. Documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights bestowed upon Americans have spelled out some of these very qualities that Americans hold dear. One right that is often brought to the forefront of the argument over gun control is found within the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The 2nd Amendment of the Bill of Rights states, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”(1). This powerful statement sets the foundation and precedent for our founding fathers’ intent for Americans to keep their firearms at all costs. When this right is in jeopardy of being infringed upon, it is the duty of Americans to fight back for their freedoms just as they would do for the very land they set their feet upon. Additionally James Madison, one of the founding fathers stated during the ratification period of the Constitution that, “the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation…[where] the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms” (Madison 1). If those who founded our country believed in the right that Americans have the choice of being armed, then it should not the minority of law makers doing their best to strip those rights away. History is never free from critics and opposition. The 2nd Amendment, which is no stranger to public criticism, grants individuals inalienable rights. The National Rifle Association, an organization that has been around for 139 years workin... ... middle of paper ... ... State and Federal Governments Compared From the New York Packet.” The Federalist Papers: No. 46 (1788). Web. 10 Jun. 2010 Mauro, Tony. "The Supreme Court Supports an Individual's Right to Bear Arms." At Issue: Is Gun Ownership a Right?. Ed. Lea Sakora. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2010. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Pierce College. 13 Jun. 2010 Sullum, Jacob. "Banning Assault Weapons Will Not Reduce Gun Violence." Opposing Viewpoints: Gun Control. Ed. Tamara L. Roleff. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1997. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Pierce College. 4 Jun. 2010. “The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Firearms Ownership in America.” Second Amendment/Right to Arms. NRA Institute for Legislative Action. NRA. 2009. Web. 10 Jun. 2010 United States. National Archives and Records Admin. Bill of Rights. Washington: 1 1791. Web. 10 Jun. 2010.

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