The phrasing of the Second Amendment has led to different interpretations about who can own a gun. A long-standing argument is that the “right to bear arms” is a collective right that prohibits the Federal Government from disarming state militia. But the argument that is on the rise says it is an individual right guaranteed to every citizen. Charles Koch sent this letter to Congress opposing all laws limiting individual gun ownership, but expressing support for mandatory sentencing for criminals who use guns.
This document is featured in the primary source-based student workbook “Putting the Bill of Rights to the Test.”
