What was the historical context of the 2nd amendment to the US Constitution?

Question

The 2nd amendment states: > 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. There is a lot of controversy in the US about how this should be interpreted. What was the historical context?

Answer 1

The historical context was multifarious, since the Founding Fathers wished for citizens to defend themselves from a number--not just one--of potential threats. However, surprising as it may sound, the FF's main concern was that one day, our own government might turn tyrannical, so...

As Jefferson put it, “A little rebellion now and then is a good thing....[for] the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Importantly, he and the others never desired insurrection UNLESS it was absolutely necessary. But if, and when, that day came, the FFs wanted citizens to be prepared--bang, bang!!! Ouch!!!