How to Choose a Position on Gun Control Issues

Although the right to bear arms is outlined in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, there remains fierce debate in American politics as to how this constitutional provision should be interpreted. To choose a position on gun control issues, you must consider both sides.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Read the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. This short amendment provides the framework for gun rights in the United States. Go to the National Archives website, click on "National Archives Experience" from the menu at the left. Choose "Charters of Freedom," and then "Bill of Rights."

2. Decide how much gun control you favor. Many gun rights advocates believe the government should restrict any guns, with the exception of fully automatic weapons. Some gun control advocates favor restricting some types of guns such as semi-automatic weapons. Others oppose all handguns.

3. Think about what effect concealed carry laws might have. Concealed carry laws allow people to carry concealed weapons in their cars or on their person. Many gun rights advocates claim they have a right to do this. They also claim concealed carry laws prevent crime because criminals do not know who is carrying a gun. Many gun control advocates claim concealed carry laws allow criminals to hides weapons and pose a danger to the public.

4. Consider what role gun manufacturers and retailers should play in gun control issues. Many gun control supporters believe mandating manufacturers to put trigger locks on guns and making people apply for background checks prior to purchasing a gun decreases crime. On the other side, many gun rights supporters believe these measures do not prevent crime, impose an unnecessary expense on manufacturers and retailers and infringe on Second Amendment rights.

5. Determine what your position is on whether mandated background checks and waiting periods should be applied to gun shows. Simply put, should people purchasing guns at gun shows wait for a background check before getting their guns.

6. Research current gun control issues and legislation. Visit the OpenSecrets website, click on "News" and then "Issue Profiles." Select "Gun Control." You also can review an index of arguments for and against gun control at YouDebate.com. Click on "Gun Control Debate" from the main page.

Resources

• Review the Second Amendment.
• Read an overview on gun control.
• Review arguments on both sides of the gun control issue.