SLM521

Web Dropin 4

Richard McFarland

November 4, 2005

Gun Control

The Second Amendment

'A well-regulated Militia, being necessary for the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.'

Gun control is a controversial issue. When you reach the legal age you may have an important decision to make. Will you own a gun or not? The Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States gives the people the right to bear arms. However, the meaning and intent of the Second Amendment is under debate. Pro gun ownership groups argue that gun control laws infringe on peoples rights. Gun control advocates argue for greater restrictions on gun ownership; some to the extent of abolishing peoples’ right to own guns. In this assignment you will read views on both sides of the issue and form your own opinion.

Before you begin your research, type your views on gun control in a Word document. What do you know about gun control? Are you for or against it?

Keep this document for use later.

Visit the websites below. Review the information on the sites. Be sure to peruse links within each site as they will contain important related information. Take notes on arguments for and against gun control. Consider and weigh the validity of arguments made. Pay special attention to facts and that you find interesting. Make note of any points that you strongly agree or disagree with.

http://www.angelfire.com/pa/sergeman/issues/firearms/main.html

http://www.csgv.org/

Activity

When you have completed your research, return to your Word document and list five points against and five points for gun control. Review your notes and your points and write a paragraph on your stance on the issue. Include in your paragraph weather your opinion has changed after doing your research and why. Note what information you found, impacted your views most.

Then write a one paragraph argument against or for gun control. Your paragraph should reflect your stance on the issue and should be designed to convince people your stance is valid.

When you have finished, print your work and bring it to class. We will hold a discussion on the subject and students will present their findings to the class.