Gun Control Debates

Gun Control is an issue that is controversial throughout congress. Many legislatures are displaced at opposite ends of the spectrum regarding gun control. Those in favor of gun control believe that more regulation will lower the use of guns by convicted felons, illegal immigrants, juvenile delinquents, and other dangerous individuals. These individuals side with gun control regulation from federal government. Since federal violations usually offer stricter punishments, the federal laws should dictate gun control. Their gun control debate would take the power away from the state, and allow federal government to change legislation. Those in favor of gun control are aiming toward prohibition of firearms, or necessary registration within states and federal guidelines.

Individuals on the opposing side of the gun control debate argue that federal regulation would eliminate the constitution right for citizens to bare arms. The opposing side believe strongly that new regulations would not keep weapons out of the hands of convicted felons, illegal immigrants, juvenile delinquents, and other dangerous individuals. In fact, they believe it will encourage the behavior even more. The opposing side of gun control feels that federal regulation would create bigger obstacles for non dangerous citizens. Hunting and other recreational sports would be harder to participate in. In addition, these regulations are another way in which government can control the citizens of the United States. The more people are allowed to freely carry guns, the less likely government is to gain complete control.

Currently the gun control debate surrounds federal legislation. The first legislative piece is The National Firearms Act of 1934. This act controls citizens right to obtain a gun without first having it registered. In addition, the tax options regarding machine guns and long guns. Another act regulating gun control is The Gun Control Act of 1968. This act regulates the distribution, importing, and transferring of a weapon from one citizen to the next. In this particular act, gun control covers children, criminals, businesses, and state as well as national borders. Many anti supporters believe that these statutes already regulate the most important features of gun control. In addition, states should be left to regulate the rest. For pro gun control supporters, after states take create statutes, some leave discretion to the local authorities. They argue that stopping regulation at the federal level, will allow every state to operate the same.

The gun control debate sparks other controversial issues such as constitutional rights, tyranny, and discrimination. Both sides of gun control makes sense to some degree. Historically, laws in the United States have trickled down through all three levels of government. This left room for checks and balances to occur. However, over the years, federal involvement has increased. In some instances, like gun control, this involvement has encouraged positive results. On the contrary, giving sole regulation to the federal government could possibly exhaust federal authorities. For these reasons the gun control debate is unsolved, and present within the United States. To argue both sides, people often use crime statistics to show the need for revisions. Individuals that fall in the middle of the gun control debate recommend finding a compromise that meets in the middle, to ensure the safety of American citizens.