The Second Amendment is one of the most important amendments to the U.S. Constitution, and it is part of the Bill of Rights. It comes directly after the First Amendment, which is the right to free speech.
People talk about the Second Amendment quite a lot, but you’ll find that there are many of them who have never read it or don’t know what it says. This can be problematic, so let’s take a look at the exact wording. The Second Amendment is as follows:
“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.”
Considering the historical context
This amendment wasn’t actually ratified until 1791, which was about 15 years after the Revolutionary War. However, you can see the impact of that war even more than a decade later. Historically speaking, it was clear to the early American settlers that they needed to be armed because they had just cast off the monarchy and set up their own government. For a country with that kind of beginning, they were afraid of allowing themselves to be overcome once again. This was seen as a way to help them stay safe and independent – and it provided a check for their own government.
In modern times, there’s far less worry that a foreign power is going to take over the United States and that the people are going to need to rise up in a well-organized militia. But the amendment still helps to define your rights and allows Americans to carry firearms.
If you’re being charged with a weapons crime or if you’re in danger of losing your 2nd Amendment rights, such as if you have a felony on your record, then you need to make sure you know about all of your legal options.
