This is going to an oversimplified answer, but maybe it will set you on the path to understanding. Basically, America did not have the laws, police force, or giant, well-organized and armed military that it does now. At the time, militias were voluntary (meaning farmers or merchants would leave their farms or shops and help out for a while) and state-run. There isn't much of a federal government at this point. So, if the military is composed of volunteers and there isn't any federal funding, it's kind of a BYOG situation- everyone 'bring your own gun' when you volunteer, and even if you don't join the militia, you can still protect your family on the farm or homestead if the British come by. America is huge, even at this point in history, there is a lot of space and sparse population. You may be on your own in the wilderness, essentially.
It's hard to imagine no police, no military, and no law and order, but that's basically why the right to bare arms came about in the US. Hope this helps!
This is going to be an oversimplified answer, but maybe it will set you on the path to understanding. Basically, America did not have the laws, police force, or giant, well-organized and armed military that it does now. At the time, militias were voluntary (meaning farmers or merchants would leave their farms or shops and help out for a while) and state-run. There isn't much of a federal government at this point. So, if the military is composed of volunteers and there isn't any federal funding, it's kind of a BYOG situation- everyone 'bring your own gun' when you volunteer, and even if you don't join the militia, you can still protect your family on the farm or homestead if the British come by. America is huge, even at this point in history, and there is a lot of space but sparse population. You may be on your own in the wilderness, essentially.
It's hard to imagine no police, no military, and no law and order, but that's basically why the right to bear arms came about in the US. Hope this helps!
I see. Thanks! It's a lot clearer now!
Hello! Are there any americans or people who know enough about American history to tell me why the 2nd amendment (about firearms) was ratified in the constitution in 1791?
I looked online and still isn't clear in my head.