What is the general purpose of 2nd amendment?

Answer 1

To limit the ability of the government to have total power over the people.

Founding father quotes on the 2nd amendment;

"The Constitution shall never be construed....to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms" (Samuel Adams, Debates and Proceedings in the Convention of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 86-87)

"Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American... The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state government, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people" (Tench Coxe, Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788)

"The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed." (Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist Papers at 184-8)

"The strongest reason for people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." -- (Thomas Jefferson)

"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined" (Patrick Henry, 3 J. Elliot, Debates in the Several State Conventions 45, 2d ed. Philadelphia, 1836)

"Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence ... From the hour the Pilgrims landed, to the present day, events, occurrences, and tendencies prove that to insure peace, security and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable . . . the very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that is good" (George Washington)

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/What_is_the_Second_Amendment#ixzz19wqEuaVH

Answer 2

What was the intention or the Reasoning behind the Second Amendment of 1791?

During The United States development as a nation it was left to the federal government to maintain a national army and to the states to maintain a self-policing force called a militia the national army called upon from time to time.

That is what the Second Amendment is about, the ability of the individual states to maintain civil order and assist in national times of need. Standing armies are costly. Avoiding that level of public debt, the individual States thus organized militia groups.

Answer 3

The Second Amendment of the US Constitution has been controversial for many years. It reads as follows: 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.

This amendment has been reviewed by the US Supreme Court, and according to the Court's interpretation, it means that citizens have the right to keep and bear personal firearms. While the amendment refers to state militias, it was clear in 1791, that it was commonplace for citizens to own guns. Various laws, state and federal, have been passed to regulate various aspects of gun ownership.

Attempts to radically change the interpretation of this amendment is unlikely to succeed.

Answer 4

the main idea of the second amendment is to give rights for people to protect them selves

Answer 5

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution allows citizens to bear arms.