As a reaction to the increased cases of mass shootings that have been experienced in the United States, a debate has ensued on the need to amend the constitution in regards to gun ownership. One of the reasons for increased mass shootings is the right to ownership of guns in the country. Lawyers and judges have varied opinions on the understanding of the constitution in regards to ownership of guns. Because of the confusing language, there is no clear answer as to what the constitution states about gun ownership (Lucas).

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The prefatory clause of the Bill of Rights’ Second Amendment states that “a well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State” (Lucas). The main clause later states that “the right of the people to keep and bear arms; shall not be infringed” (Lucas). Confusion occurs in the meaning of the word ‘militia’ in the prefatory. During the drafting of the constitution in 1791, there were militias who defended the community from attacks and were allowed to own and carry arms. However, in the current society, the work of the militia has been taken over by the military, police and other security institutions. If the word militia is to be taken in its literal form currently, then every other person has the right to defend the nation, which automatically gives the right to have arms (Lucas).

However, taking into consideration the events of 1791 when the constitution was written, the word militia should be changed to the military, police and other government institutions that are tasked with the duty of defending the nation (Lucas). With this amendment, gun ownership will be reduced significantly as only those tasked with the duty of defending the nation will get the privilege of having arms. A reduction in the number of arms in civilian hands will massively reduce the cases of mass shootings. This is because almost all mass shootings have been carried out by civilians who have access to guns. An amendment in the constitution to limit gun ownership will be very good for the security of the nation.