The Second Amendment

By Jordan Chao and Antonio Hurtado

Period 1
History
The right to bear arms has long been an American tradition. From the time colonists settled on North
American soil, Americans have held weapons to protect themselves. Armed citizens won America's freedom
from English rule during the revolutionary war. Finally in 1791 citizens were legally given the right own
weapons.
 Text and Explanation
The second amendment gives citizens the rights to own weapons in order to protect themselves. This amendment
was proposed on September 25 1789. It was not ratified until December 15 1791. It took 2 years for the amendment
to be ratified by congress. The second amendment is a part of the first ten amendments contained in the Bill of
Rights. The supreme court has ruled that the right belongs to individuals. They also ruled that the right is not
unlimited and does not prohibit all regulation of either firearms or similar devices. The state and local governments
are limited to the same extent as the federal government.
Current Relevance and Facts

Facts

Americans own around 270-300 million guns

More than 33,000 people are shot and killed in the U.S. each year.
Chicago is the city with the most gun violence with 3000 shootings last year

Recent Events

Gun control debate becoming more relevant with recent shootings

Recent shootings in Texas leaving 26 dead and 20 wounded
Trump Says Tougher Gun Laws Couldve Worsened Texas Death Toll
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