Gun Control Issues in the United States Research Paper

Gun Control Issues in the United States - Research Paper Example The national firearms act was the first act that restricted the rights to own guns. The guns were then provided to the people after complete background checking and assuring as if they really needed the gun for a fair use. The federal act of gun control was introduced in 1968, and as per this act, each gun is provided with a unique serial number that is held by the gun buyer. 1990s’ amendment then proscribes the criminals to become a gun owner and makes it essential to check the criminal record of the buyer during the sales time. Gun control opponents argue that people bearing handguns are able to defend themselves from criminal offense assuring personal safety. Whereas, the advocates of gun control suggest that increase in crime rates is an outcome of widespread ownership of the gun and ultimately bring negative consequences both in terms of private and public (Gun Control Debate 2011).   Since 1934, various federal laws have been acted out to promote federal regulation of firearms and ammunition, the constitutionality, and efficacy of which is continued to be a strong debate. Gun control proponents argue that laws and regulation to control gun ownership and holding can prohibit convicted felons, mentally challenged and other individuals who are not safe to the society to misuse guns to create harm. The advocates of gun control also suggest that accessibility of guns to these high-risk individuals can successfully be reduced by only the federal regulations and policies for gun usage. Some people even sought for extensive modifications in gun control policy such as non-police handgun possession and the registration of all firearm owners or firearms should be prohibited almost exclusively. For this prohibitive act regarding firearms, they insist that such regulation is not barred by the constitution and it does not incur any substantial social costs. Some proponents do not consider such strict policies rather they go for moderate policy alternatives suc h as the ones which would not hinder legitimate possession and transfer of firearms. The opponents of such federal policies have much stronger arguments. They refuse to accept that federal regulation can prevent firearms access by high-risk persons. They argue against the gun control acts indicating that such controls often disturb law observant citizens by creating burdens on them. Some people consider these policies as a violation of constitutional rights catered by the Second Amendment. They even give reasons for their opposition to gun control by demonstrating that they consider the widespread possession of the gun as one of the best impediments to criminal offenses and to likely despotism as well, whether through the use of guns by gangs or by the government. Some opponents may also criticize the impression of enhancing federal powers as opposed to state and police forces (Gun Control 2002). Gun control had been considered a prominent issue neither in the 2004 Presidential camp aign nor in the 2008 campaign.  Ã‚