Meaning Behind The Second Amendment

It has been 226 years since the Second Amendment was adopted after being ratified by a majority of the states. As one may predict, America has evolved a great deal over a time span of 226 years. Due to this natural progression, people have begun to question the intent and true meaning behind the Second Amendment and its role in society today. However, the Second Amendment was only meant to be interpreted in one way. In subsequent paragraphs, I will explain the meaning behind the Second Amendment by exploring how the terms in the amendment are defined. From the definitions, I have concluded that the definition of the Second Amendment is to protect an individual’s right to keep and bear arms to ensure both national and personal freedoms and

The use of the word militia in the context of the Second Amendment is often misinterpreted. One definition of the word militia is defined in the OED Online dictionary as: “spec. The name of various military units and forces, raised locally (and usually for the purpose of local defence) from the civilian population of an area, and distinguished from professional standing armies as the latter developed. With sing. or pl. concord. In the U.S.: the body of able-bodied citizens eligible by law for military service. Now hist. (“militia”). The above definition of the word militia is the definition the writers of the constitution referenced. By using the form of the word militia, it becomes evident that this is a direct reference to a military body comprised of citizens. Therefore, the military body referenced is not alluding to a professional military body. Rather it references all citizens of the United States as members of the militia. Since it directly references all citizens, it reinforces the idea that the Second Amendment was intended for all

Our nation pride’s itself on the freedoms it affords to its citizens, as well as attempting to ensure the freedoms of others. The United States is a model for other countries because of its freedoms. The definition of the word free as defined by the OED Online is “Of a state or its citizens and institutions: not subject to government which is despotic, tyrannous, or restrictive of individual rights. Also: not subject to foreign domination” (“free”). The Second Amendment is a proponent of the rights of an individual. Furthermore, the Second Amendment allows individuals to protect themselves in the event that the government becomes overbearing. In this sense, free means to be able to govern oneself, and not be subjected to the control of a repressive