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Debates and conversations regarding the 2nd amendment
The gun control debate in America
The discussion of gun control
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Over the last decade, gun control has been one of the hottest political topics nationwide. Those who support gun control believe that stricter gun laws reduce crime, while opponents of gun control believe that firearms are essential for self-defense. Both sides possess passionate views, and are usually unwilling to compromise their beliefs. What exactly is gun control? Gun control is a series of laws that limit the availability and ownership of privately owned firearms. Cliff Stearns, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, claims that “Our society is a violent society. However, the innocent deserve access to the tools they need to defend themselves.” Gun laws should be relaxed in the United States because the 2nd Amendment prohibits the government from infringing on the right to keep and bear arms, a well-armed general population would deter the government from becoming abusive in the future, and finally, because access to firearms make it easier for people to defend themselves and their families. The Second Amendment is worded to protect the right to keep and bear arms from any government regulations. The amendment reads, “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” (“The Constitution”). Supporters of gun control often claim the phrase, “well-regulated militia”, justifies gun control laws. However, Alexander Hamilton claimed in Federalist, No. 29 that a well-regulated militia consists of private citizens that are trained in the use of their weapons, not regulated by any government authority (“The History”). Recently, federal courts have issued several rulings regarding the Second Amendment. In 2008, the Supre... ... middle of paper ... ... Harvard Law Review 126.8 (2013): 2461-2470. Academic Search Premier. Web. 4 Feb. 2014. "The Declaration Of Independence." Declaration Of Independence (Primary Source Document) (2009): 1. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 23 Feb. 2014 "The History of the Right to Bear Arms." Gun Control: Restricting Rights or Protecting People?. Sandra M. Alters. 2009 Ed. Detroit: Gale, 2009. Information Plus Reference Series. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 5 Feb. 2014. Kenny, Jack. "Gun Control or Killer Control?." New American (08856540) 08 Oct. 2012: 35. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 12 Feb. 2014. Stearns, Cliff. "Laws Permitting Concealed Weapons Ensure Public Safety." Concealed Weapons. Kacy Lovelace. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2011. At Issue. Rpt. from "Concealed Carry Permits Are Life Savers." Human Events (26 Jan. 2009). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 5 Feb. 2014.