Should we control who has access to guns?

People who shouldn’t have access to guns are getting access.” Siegel’s latest study, published July 30, 2019, in the Journal of Rural Health, reinforces previous research findings that laws designed to regulate who has firearms are more effective in reducing shootings than laws designed to control what types of guns are permitted.

What are the arguments for and against gun control laws?

Proponents of more gun control laws state that the Second Amendment was intended for militias; that gun violence would be reduced; that gun restrictions have always existed; and that a majority of Americans, including gun owners, support new gun restrictions. Opponents say that the Second Amendment protects…

Where can I find information about the politics behind gun control?

OpenSecrets.org, a resource for federal campaign contributions, lobbying data and analysis, is powered by The Center for Responsive Politics, which is a research group that tracks money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy. This is their analysis of the politics behind the gun control debate.

Does the anti-gun movement have the mainstream media on their side?

As the debate about gun control goes back and forth in our nation, it sometimes seems like the anti-gun crowd has the upper hand. They speak with a loud voice and have the mainstream media on their side. Those who support the Second Amendment and individual gun-rights can sometimes feel outnumbered.

Are universal background checks the answer to gun control?

Universal background checks, which have long been a top priority for gun control advocates and policymakers in the United States, appear to have the biggest impact. Though there has been a push for federal gun regulations in recent years, the power to legislate gun sales and gun ownership is largely beholden to the states.

What gun control measures have been passed in the United States?

Still, despite highly publicized mass shootings, no gun control measures, with the exception of the bump stock ban, have made it into law. That includes the so-called Manchin-Toomey amendment to require background checks in all commercial gun sales, including those at gun shows — the closest attempt in recent history to reform gun laws.

What do the Chiefs and sheriffs associations think about gun control?

The Major Cities Chiefs Association endorses closing the gun show loophole, strengthening the background check system, reinstating the assault weapons ban and other measures. The Major County Sheriffs’ Association disagrees on assault weapons, but agrees on strengthening background checks.