Curated OER
A Right to Bear Arms - One Patriot's View
Students research Samuel Adams' role in the crafting of the Second Amendment. They consider how Adams' views evolved with time and write a one-page response linking their research to current events.
Curated OER
The Second Amendment and the Right to Bear Arms
Students interpret the Second Amendment. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students examine the right to bear arms as they compare 2 Michigan Supreme Court cases and discuss their personal interpretations of the amendment.
Yale University
Avalon Project: The Bill of Rights
Yale's School of Law provides the text of the ten original amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.
Other
Tench Coxe and the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, 1787 1823
A scholarly article about Tench Coxe, his support for ratifying the Constitution, the roles he played in the Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison administrations, and especially his analysis and defense of the Second Amendment.
PBS
Pbs Newshour: Supreme Court Rules Against Gun Ban
The Second Amendment and the right for United States citizens to bear arms is an issue often contested throughout the United States today. A recent ruling by the US Supreme Court is another example of such issues. June 30, 2010
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: Our Constitution: Second Amendment (1791)
Text and summary of the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Site includes a timeline as well as a link to a second timeline that has hyperlinks to additional information.
This Nation
This nation.com: Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Their Taking Up Arms
This site provides the declaration by the representatives of the United Colonies of North America in which they set forth the "Causes and Necessity of Their Taking Up Arms."
Other
James's Liberty File Collection Index: Natural Law and Natural Rights
Natural law and natural rights follow from the nature of man and the world. We have the right to defend ourselves and our property, because of the kind of animals that we are. True law derives from this right, not from the arbitrary...
Other
National Rifle Association
This resource is the official website of the National Rifle Association. It offers information on gun control and safety.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: Second Amendment
Check out this interactive timeline on the history of the second amendment.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was adopted to protect each United States citizen's rights. Learn about how the Bill of Rights was formed and the protections it guarantees to Americans.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: 2nd Amendment
Short, simple summary with the full text of the 2nd amendment of the Bill of Rights detailing the right to keep a weapon and use it to protect themselves.