HIST 3200: US Gun Control Policy Analysis & Recommendations

This report analyzes the complex issue of gun control in the United States, tracing its historical roots back to the Second Amendment and the Gun Control Act of 1968. It highlights the divisive nature of the debate, presenting arguments from both sides: those who support stricter gun control to reduce gun violence and those who oppose it, citing the right to self-defense. The report suggests that while strict gun control measures may reduce mass shooting casualties, they could also lead to a black market for firearms. Ultimately, the report concludes that addressing the root causes of gun violence, such as mental illness and exposure to violent content, alongside gun control policies, is the most effective approach. The document adheres to MLA style guidelines, incorporating credible sources to support its analysis.

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22/2/2020
US GUN CONTROL
The functionality and prosperity of a Nation is to a large extent determined by its ability
to formulate formidable policies on various national issues. The issue of Gun control has been
classified as one of the most divisive issues in the country in the recent past.
The issue of gun control in USA dates back to several years during the framing of the
first constitution. Most importantly, the framers of the constitution came up with the second
Amendment which allowed possession of firearms by private citizens. Likewise, the issue gained
momentum shortly after the assassination of J F Kennedy in 1963.This assassination led to the
birth of Gun Control Act of 1968, which was also necessitated by the subsequent assassinations
of Senator R F Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. The ultimate goal of this act was to
minimize circumstances under which such assassinations were carried out. In addition, Gun
control is an important issue because of escalating cases of gun violence which lead to loss of
more than 114,994 every year (Webster et al 22 )
Gun control debate is characterized by opposing viewpoints from to factions of those in
support of the possession of guns by private citizens and those opposed to it. Those in support of
the regulation of gun possession believe that the lack of stringent policies on gun control
responsible for the rise in cases of gun violence and crime. On the contrary, some of those
opposed to it believe that it would lead to an increase in crime by minimizing the ability of law
abiding citizens to protect themselves from armed criminals. They believe that the introduction

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of strict policies on the purchase, possession and use of guns would lead to a decline in instances
of mass shooting that have been on the rise in the recent past (Joslyn, Mark, Donald, Haider‐
Markel 430).
Based on the arguments presented by the two opposing sides it can be concluded that the
introduction of strict restrictions on purchase, distribution and use of firearms would reduce the
number of mass shooting casualties. This is particularly so because about all incidents of mass
shooting were carried out by legally purchased firearms. Additionally, gun control would
minimize unintentional shootings which claim a significant number of lives. However, the
introduction of strict gun control measures would still not lead to a complete eradication of guns
among the civilian population (Metzl, Jonathan and Kenneth, MacLeish 246). On the contrary, it
would lead to the rise of a black market where people can easily purchase guns.
In conclusion, the introduction of strict gun control measures would be a good thing for
the US. However, gun control policies would do little on their own. On the contrary, dealing with
the root causes of the issues associated with gun violence such as mass shootings, assassinations,
and crime would be the best approach of minimizing the misuse of guns. Some of these issues
include mental illness, poor parenting, too much exposure to inappropriate video games and
extremism. This can be achieved through collaboration with relevant government institutions,
rolling out relevant programs in learning institutions and engaging in public education.

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Works cited
Joslyn, Mark R., and Donald P. Haider‐Markel. "Gun Ownership and Self‐Serving Attributions for Mass
Shooting Tragedies." Social Science Quarterly 98.2 (2017): 429-442.
Metzl, Jonathan M., and Kenneth T. MacLeish. "Mental illness, mass shootings, and the politics of
American firearms." American journal of public health 105.2 (2015): 240-249.
Webster, Daniel W., et al. Regulating Gun Sales: An Excerpt from Reducing Gun Violence in America:
Informing Policy with Evidence and Analysis. JHU Press, 2013.