Running head: THE SECOND AMENDMENT 1
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THE SECOND AMENDMENT
The Second Amendment
Bikhari M. Reyes
PSCI 1010 Intro to Political Science
Xavier University of Louisiana
Dr. Russell Frazier
April 29, 2019
The Second Amendment
American citizens love their constitutional freedoms and tend to utilize them on a daily basis. The freedom of speech, the freedom to peacefully assemble, and the freedom of the press are used on a nearly daily basis by all Americans (including the President). The Second Amendment to the constitution is commonly seen as the source of our right to bear arms, especially firearms. The Second Amendment can be both a blessing and a curse, seeing that the law does not limit owners as to what kind of firearm they may own. This has contributed to the mass shootings we have had in recent years, as many of these shootings were executed with automatic weapons. Automatic weapons do not serve the purpose of protecting the home, which is the predominant reason the Second Amendment is interpreted to include civilians amongst those legally able to own a firearm. Interest groups such as the NRA, while they are pro-Second Amendment rights, are somewhat against gun control conversations and policy initiatives. All of this has helped contribute to an America that looks gun violence in the face, acknowledge its’ present threat, but has achieved no significant reform.
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Second Amendment, with regard to District of Columbia vs. Heller, to look at how the Second Amendment has been interpreted. This paper will also analyze the influence lobbyist organizations have in regulating gun-related policies. First, the paper will look at the Second Amendment from a literal, as well as interpreted, context. Following this will be an analysis of District of Columbia vs. Heller, especially in regard to the opinion of the court and the context in which the Second Amendment was interpreted for the case. Next, the essay will discuss the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the role it plays in politics related to the Second Amendment. Finally, the paper will make connections that show current regulations and interpretations of the Second Amendment contributing to the mass shootings that have occurred in America. Upon the conclusion of this paper, the reader will be able to clearly understand the unnecessary liabilities that the Second Amendment provides; the paper will also address a possible resolution to the amendment that will allow Americans to remain in control of the safety of their lives, while simultaneously limiting the potential firepower of potentially harmful individuals.
The Second Amendment
The Second Amendment is a part of the Bill of Rights, the first ten Amendments to the Constitution. The Second Amendment reads as follows (U.S. Const. amend. II.):
“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.”
One can clea...
