The term 'bear arms' means to 'carry a weapon.' Although there is no description of what kind of 'arms', the writers of the amendment at the time certainly included guns within the definition of 'arms.'ĭoes it protect individuals' rights or just militias? In other words, not just a bunch of guys with guns. A 'well regulated' militia was one that was trained, organized, and disciplined. The militia could be called upon to help to fight off Indian raids, invasions, or even act as the local police force. Most all of the men at the time were part of a local militia. The militia was a group of local men who could act as a military force in times of emergency. Just like the revolutionaries who fought against the King of England, they wanted to maintain their right to 'bear arms' in case the new government began to take away their rights.Īt the time, owning guns by citizens was also important for other reasons including organizing a local militia, fighting off invasions from foreign powers, self-defense against Indian raids, and to help with law enforcement. The Second Amendment was meant to help the people protect themselves from a tyrannical government. While many people back then did use guns for hunting, this was not why the amendment was added.

You may think at first that the people of revolutionary times added this amendment so they could have guns to go hunting for food. Why was the Second Amendment so important? '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.' Here is the text of the Second Amendment from the Constitution: They think that having guns will allow them to protect themselves from criminals and the rise of a tyrannical government. Other people want to keep this right and not have it limited. They think this will help prevent shootings and keep criminals and mentally ill people from getting guns. Many people want more laws to prevent people from owning guns. The Second Amendment has become a controversial amendment in recent years. This amendment protects the rights of citizens to 'bear arms' or own weapons such as guns. The Second Amendment was part of the Bill of Rights that was added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791.

Types of guns in 1791