Modern StudiesGun crime in the USA

The US Constitution

• The US Constitution states how the country will run, and the rights that Americans have.

• Many Americans are very proud of their constitution.

• This is why it is difficult to introduce tighter rules on gun control in the US.

The Second Amendment

• Amendment 2 declares a well-regulated militia as ‘being necessary to the security of a free state” and prohibits infringement of “the right of the people to keep and bear arms”.

The USA’s gun culture

• In most states, you are allowed to keep a gun only in your own home or place of business.

• The sale of guns is restricted by a variety of laws.

• However, in reality, it is fairly easy to buy or obtain a gun in the US.

The Case for Guns - NRA• The National Riffle

Association (NRA) is a large interest group in America.

• They campaign for the right to keep guns.

• 4.3 million Americans are members of the NRA.

• They campaign heavily in the US to keep the right to own guns.

The Case for Guns• Those who want to keep the

gun laws as they are say it is their right to own a gun.

• Many claim guns are necessary to help keep their property safe – especially those living in rural areas.

• Others claim they carry guns for self-defence in the ghetto areas of the US.

• In Switzerland every family must own a gun – they claim crime is very low here as a result.

Pro-gun Propaganda

The Case against guns• Many Americans are

campaigning for tougher gun laws.

• They argue that too many irresponsible people are getting hold of guns and are causing deaths.

• Parents who have lost children in shootings campaign heavily for laws.

The Case against guns• In America, you can buy

guns and ammunition almost anywhere.

• You can get them free when you open bank accounts.

• You can purchase bullets in Walmart and even in hairdressing salons.

• Many campaigners want this to end – it should be limited to arms shops who have licenses.

Inside a US Walmart Store

Michael Moore buys bullets in a Walmart

store in Chicago.

Anti-gun Propaganda

Recent gun violence – Sept 13

• On 16 September 2013 workers in the Navy yard in Washington DC witnessed the reality of guns.

• A gunman opened fire in the office area and around the building.

• 12 people were killed.• The gunman was Aaron

Alexia, 34 years of age.

Recent gun violence – December 2012

• Adam Lanza caused mayhem in Sandy Hook school.

• He shot dead 20 children and 6 adults during a shooting rampage.

• He did not have a criminal record.

Timeline – US shootings

• July 2012• James Holmes shoots and kills 12 people at a

screening of a Batman film in a cinema in Colorado City.

• December 2008• A gunman dressed as Santa Clause kills nine guests

at a Christmas Eve party before taking his own life in Covina, a suburb of Los Angeles in California.

• December 2007• A gunman kills eight people and wounds five at a

Shopping mall, Omaha, Nebraska, before killing himself.