Why is the second amendment of the US Constitution so important?

Question

Why is this amendment so important to you?

Answer 1

the constitution is itself important. the Bill of Rights are supremely important to all Americans. they are inaliable rights: not granted by the government, but simply aknowledged as preexistent of govt.

the 2nd amendment is not some antiquated right. if the govt can own guns and use them, then so should free law-abiding citizens. if we didnt have guns, the Revolution wouldnt have gone very far.

i dont even own a gun, nor do i intend to get one. but its a right ill stand by as long as Im alive.

Answer 2

The second amendment was put in place to ensure the citizens could defend themselves FROM the Government should the Government become too Oppressive.

It was not meant for people that HUNT.

It was not meant to protect people from Robbers and Murders--(those are side benefits)

It was not meant to protect people from INDIAN Raids.

It one main reason is to make sure the Government does not decide to impose it's will on the people without the consent of the people.

The 2nd Amendment.  -- is the amendment that protects the people from the government  with the threat of force.  Without  it all the other admendments can be Done Away with by the government with no recourse by the people.

Answer 3

It defines what a citizen of the US is, and that's different from being a citizen of any other country.

Anywhere else, even if guns are allowed, it's at the government's discretion. One must rely on the government for his defense. In the US, to a great degree, each of us is his own little country, though we also have an obligation to common defense. The tension between the personal and the general is not accidental. It's another of the checks and balances built into our system.

Answer 4

I like to wear sleeveless shirts! I think people have every right to have hunting guns but nothing more.

Answer 5

This quote really nails it.

"The Second Amendment is a doomsday provision, one designed for those exceptionally rare circumstances where all other rights have failed -- where the government refuses to stand for reelection and silences those who protest; where courts have lost the courage to oppose, or can find no one to enforce their decrees. However improbable these contingencies may seem today, facing them unprepared is a mistake a free people get to make only once." -- Justice Alex Kozinski, US 9th Circuit Court, 2003

Answer 6

taking away guns is liek taking away my air i live for guns. we didnt fight for little pansy stuff we fought for want we wanted we grabbed it by the balls and watched them holler in pain as we a country of few people (back in the 1700's) were out number 10 to 1 to a proffessional army with us having just militia beat them these that fought were preachers,teachers,doctors and husbands,fathers,brothers,and sisters but they wanted more freedom so we met them on little town greens and made them cream there jeans. 2nd amendment is its just important there isnt always an answer to things some spoken some other unspoken. also let the government try to take my gun ill fight em like we all should. ok im not sorry i went all patriotic i cant help it i live in the freeest country in the world with GREAT GREAT HUMAN RIGHTS

Answer 7

everyone's answers so far are great. I just want to add that if they meaning the govenment deside to repeal basically just cross out the 2nd, none of our rights are safe. That's why it is so important.

Preamble

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and provide new Guards for their future security."

as mentioned by Nick Cage in National Treasure.

Answer 8

for the people to be able to protect themselves from anything from wild animals, to government, or killers....its 1 of our rights, to bear arms and protect ourselfs and our families