Second Amendment Interpretation

Words: 478

Pages: 2

Open Document

Maricarmen Real

Taking Sides Issue 2.1

The Second Amendment’s Original Intention

The Second Amendment holds controversy over its meaning. There is much debate over what exactly the Second Amendment is.The Second Amendment was passed by Congress September 25,1789. It was ratified on December 15,1791. The statement“the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” (“The Second Amendment”) has different interpretations. One interpretation of the Second Amendment is that the right “to bear arms” is a collective right. The other interpretation is that the right to “keep and bear arms” is an individual’s right. The collective right interpretation is that the Second Amendment permits gun ownership only if the person is a member of a “well-regulated militia”. This interpretation shows the Second Amendment’s original purpose. Today there is a debate about the Second Amendment and its significance.The historical events …show more content…
Based on the events of the 18th century the Second Amendment meant something different.The belief of the 18th century was that only people that were organized into local militia could stop tyranny. The colonies would keep order by forming militias so that they could protect their colony. To the people that wrote it, the Second Amendment was a way to protect the stability of a republican system. The people of the 17th century believed that the militia represented a stable, well balanced government.An argument that Cress presents in the article is that, if the Second Amendment was meant to be an individual right, then the Amendment would have used terms such as “man” or “person”. Lawrence Delbert Cress argues that the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution was not written to promise a citizen’s right of carrying

Differing Interpretations Of The Second Amendment

The Second Amendment, often referred to as the right to bear arms, is one of 10 amendments that form the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791 by the U.S. Congress. Differing interpretations of the amendment have fueled a long-running debate over gun control legislation and the rights of individual citizens to buy, own and carry firearms. (Zapata, 2023) Shortly after the U.S. Constitution was officially ratified, James Madison proposed the Second Amendment as a way to empower these state militias. While…

Words 231 - Pages 1

How To Repeal The Second Amendment Essay

The idea to repeal The Second Amendment should be reconsidered and instead more gun laws should be created, restricting the ability to harm and endanger the lives of others when purchasing or being in ownership of a gun. The enforcement of stricter gun laws can potentially save lives when it comes to who may acquire a weapon and when they can or cannot be used. The second amendment’s interpretation has evolved along side with current day situations leading to believe that its not outdated as long…

Words 804 - Pages 4

Difference Between 1st And Second Amendment

are relating to the 1st and second amendment. They think the 1st is better for many reasons. These people have the freedom of speech, religion, and press. These people think that if you are going to own a gun there needs to be laws limiting the amount of gun killings. The 1st amendment is better for many reasons. We have the freedom to show expressions, we can laugh, say what we would like to say. Also, you can choose any religion you would like, with this amendment we are not excluded from anything…

Words 506 - Pages 3

Gun Control Essay

Gun Control Adam Putnam COM172 October 16, 2013 Dr. Holly Sawyer Gun Control The Second Amendment is one of the most important amendments in the Bill of Rights. Chicago, Illinois and Houston, Texas are two cities that are polar opposites when it comes to Second Amendment rights, but are very similar in size, demographics, and socioeconomics. Houston, Texas is a city that utilizes the Second Amendment to the fullest extent by allowing its citizens the “right to carry.” Chicago, Illinois, where…

Words 985 - Pages 4

The Importance Of The Second Amendment

possess over the people of almost every other nation.” -James Madison. That quote is from the mouth of our founding father James Madison. This Amendment has been here for over 100 years and now it’s suddenly trying to be ripped away from us. The Second Amendment protected our rights to bare arms, to have a firearm, and protect ourselves. Taking away an amendment is not right. It is unacceptable. This should not be allowed. This should not even be considered. This is a part of our constitution. We have…

Words 593 - Pages 3

Controversial Arguments Against Gun Control

during the 1950’s. The vague rules for cells used by doctors and researchers in 1950s, relates to the similar vagueness of the Second Amendment, which leads to controversial interpretations of gun control. Some people believe that background searches are a necessity for gun ownership and the safety of others around the weapon, whereas others believe the Second Amendment grants them the right to bear arms of any weapon without rules and background checks. Though the…

Words 1117 - Pages 5

Essay about Separation of Church and State

advocated the separation of church and state as an interpretation on the U.S Constitution’s First Amendment. The First Amendment reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . ." (The Federalist Papers). This statement puts two limitations on government with respect to religion. The first, the establishment clause, prohibits many forms of association between church and state. The second, the free exercise clause, bars the government…

Words 1621 - Pages 7

Why Is The Second Amendment Important

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is a popular topic that brings discussion, and debates among people. The Amendment states, “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” (Constitution Annotated) This is a quote from Analysis and Interpretation of the US Constitution. Given the ability to protect yourself at all costs, no matter what the situation. The way society has acted over the past…

Words 538 - Pages 3

Ratification Of The 14th Amendment Essay

Following the passage and ratification of the 14th Amendment in 1868, the United States courts on state and federal levels were faced with the task of determining the implementation and interpretation of the various rights expressed in the amendment. Most prominent of these interpretations was the constitutionality of protective laws as a result of a second period of mass industrialization in the later half of the 19th century and early 20th century. In conjunction with the laissez faire economics…

Words 1451 - Pages 6

Essay about Should There be Another Constitutional Convention?

Should There be Another Constitutional Convention? The Articles of Confederation was he first federal “constitution” to be upheld in the thirteen colonies. Unfortunately, under the Articles, Congress was given no power over the states so that the country could grow into an actual functioning society, though there were certain things that they did have control over, such as create war and peace time, conduct foreign affairs and etc. But under the Articles, “But Congress could not collect taxes and…

Words 2089 - Pages 9