Pick a law in the United States either from the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, or any Federal/State Law.
YOU MUST PICK A SIDE FOR THE LAW
YOU EITHER AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH IT
YOU CANNOT BE IN THE MIDDLE
Write a 5-7 page paper following current MLA formatting using the questions below as a guide:
What is the history of that law?
What is one important event that is involved with this law?
Where does the law stand today?
What is your opinion on it?
How would you make it better?
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Second Amendment: Preserving the Right to Bear Arms
Introduction
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. This law has a rich history and has been a subject of intense debate and controversy. In this paper, I will take a stance in favor of the Second Amendment, exploring its history, an important event related to it, its current standing, and providing my opinion on it. Additionally, I will propose ways to improve the implementation of this law.
History of the Second Amendment
The Second Amendment was adopted as part of the Bill of Rights in 1791 and was influenced by the English Bill of Rights of 1689. Its inclusion in the Constitution stemmed from the Founding Fathers’ belief in the importance of an armed citizenry as a safeguard against tyranny and as a means of self-defense. The Second Amendment reads: “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.”
An Important Event: District of Columbia v. Heller
One significant event related to the Second Amendment is the Supreme Court case of District of Columbia v. Heller in 2008. The case challenged a law in Washington, D.C., that effectively banned handgun possession by private citizens. The Court held that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess firearms for self-defense within their home. It was a landmark decision that affirmed an individual’s right to bear arms, while also recognizing that reasonable restrictions can be imposed to protect public safety.
Current Standing of the Second Amendment
The Second Amendment remains a fundamental right protected by the Constitution. However, there have been ongoing debates regarding the scope and limitations of this right. Laws regarding gun ownership and possession vary across states, with some implementing stricter regulations than others. The interpretation of the Second Amendment continues to be a subject of contentious political and legal discourse.
Opinion on the Second Amendment
I wholeheartedly support the Second Amendment and believe that it plays a crucial role in preserving individual liberties and ensuring the balance of power between citizens and the government. The right to bear arms provides individuals with the means to protect themselves, their families, and their property. It serves as a deterrent against potential threats and serves as a last resort for self-defense in situations where law enforcement may not be readily available.
Furthermore, the Second Amendment is deeply rooted in American history and is inextricably tied to notions of freedom and individual rights. It is a cornerstone of the Constitution, reflecting the Founding Fathers’ belief in limited government power and the ability of citizens to protect themselves.
Improving the Implementation of the Second Amendment
While I support the Second Amendment, I recognize the need for responsible gun ownership and measures to enhance public safety. To improve the implementation of this law, several steps can be taken:
Strengthen background checks: Implementing comprehensive background checks for all firearm purchases can help prevent individuals with criminal records or mental health issues from obtaining guns.
Promote responsible gun ownership: Encouraging education and training programs on safe gun handling, storage, and usage can promote responsible gun ownership practices.
Address illegal gun trafficking: Enhancing efforts to combat illegal gun trafficking can help prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
Encourage research on gun violence: Lifting restrictions on federal funding for research on gun violence can provide valuable insights into effective policy solutions while respecting individuals’ rights under the Second Amendment.
Encourage dialogue between gun rights advocates and gun control proponents: Fostering open and constructive dialogue between these two groups can lead to more nuanced discussions on balancing individual rights and public safety concerns.
Stricter penalties for illegal gun possession: Enforcing stricter penalties for individuals found in possession of firearms illegally can act as a deterrent and reduce gun-related crimes.
Conclusion
The Second Amendment stands as a crucial pillar of American democracy, guaranteeing citizens’ right to bear arms. Its historical significance, as well as landmark Supreme Court decisions such as District of Columbia v. Heller, reinforces its importance in protecting individual liberties. While improvements can be made to ensure responsible gun ownership and enhance public safety, it is vital to preserve this fundamental right while finding common ground between gun rights advocates and proponents of gun control. Balancing individual rights with public safety remains paramount in addressing concerns related to the Second Amendment.
