1780's 1790's     1870's   1910's 1960's 1990's 2000's
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Signing of the Constitution Bill of Rights     NRA is Formed   Sullivan Law Gun Control Act Assault
Weapons Ban
Weapons Ban
Expires
 
1780's

The Founders take steps to make sure America will always be able to protect itself. They say America should have a militia. The Founders protect the right to bear arms in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:

“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.”

Issue History: Gun Control