HELP!! i dont unnderstand the second amendment!?

Question

I have to do a history project where i teach the second amendment! how can i teach it if i dont understand it? Also, can any body think of some fun game questions regaurding the 2nd amendment?

Answer 1

If you look at the Second you will see that there is a goal,
"A well regulated Militia,"
A reason for the goal
"being necessary to the security of a free State,"
and a means to achieve that goal,
"the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

The Second Amendment protects the Right of the People (individuals) to Keep and Bear Arms for the purpose of keeping tyrants and dictators from taking over the country.

This is borne out by statements made by the Founding Fathers, such as Tench Coxe;
"Whereas civil rulers, not having their duty to the people duly before them, may attempt to tyrannize, and as military forces, which must be occasionally raised to defend our country, might pervert their power to the injury of their fellow citizens, the people are confirmed by the article in their right to keep and bear their private arms."

"Their swords and every terrible implement of the soldier are the birthright of Americans. The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments but where, I trust in God, it will always remain, in the hands of the people."

Answer 2

Interestingly, no one really understands it.
Start with the Wikipedia page about it -- it gives the text of the amendment and states very clearly the controversy that surrounds the amendment-- does it provide an INDIVIDUAL right to bear arms, or only a right that state MILITIAS may continue to exist.

There are plenty of things that you can do with this. Look at the text, look at the introduction.

Then, let's assume that an individual right exists -- would there be limits? Does the constitution require anyone who could afford it to be allowed to own an automatic weapon? a bazooka? a tank? a nuclear missile?

Why was the right to bear arms important to the framers? Why is it important to some people today?