Gun Control

1. Gun Control By: Robert Visconti and Ryan Lynch

2. Background/History • 1791 the Bill of Rights was ratified- The second amendment gives the people the right bear arms. • The first form of gun control happened in 1837 when Georgia banned hand guns. It was later deemed unconstitutional due to the second amendment. • In 1865 black codes were passed to ban colored people from possessing fire arms. This was also later deemed unconstitutional. • The NRA (National Rifle Association) was created in 1871 to improve marksmanship of the people in preparation for the war. • Guns could now be taxed and regulated automatic firearms under the 1934 National Firearms Act of 1934.

4. Continued • The 1938 Federal Firearms Act made gun dealers own a Federal Firearm License and record keeping. • A year later in 1939 the court case United States vs. Miller upheld the Federal Firearms Act. • In 1968 the Gun Control Act, which was in response to JFK assassination, expanded the licensing of dealers, made it illegal to mail order long guns, and deemed convicted felons, drug users, and the mentally ill can be banned from possessing firearms. • All automatic rifles made after May 19, 1986 could not be sold under the Hughes Amendment to the National Firearm Act. • In 1990 the Crime Control Act established gun free school zones and penalties for breaking this rule.

6. Continued • In 1993 the Brady Handgun Violence Provision Act established a five day waiting period and mandatory background checks for all handgun purchases. • The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act or the Assault Weapons Ban banned specific semi-automatic guns. This law was based upon looks not characteristics so many people found it unsuccessful. • The court case in 2008, District of Columbia vs. Heller, the Supreme Court ruled that the D.C.’s ban on handguns was unconstitutional. • Finally in 2010 the Supreme Court struck down Chicago’s handgun ban.

7. Overview • Gun control is currently one of the most polarized issues in the United States. • Being this is so, the people are divided by some of the current issues, making legislation on the issue hard.

8. Loss of jobs • Many companies involved in the firearm production business are pledging to outsource jobs out of states with gun legislation in place. • These businesses want to pressure recall elections in their states, or to pressure senators to reject proposals.

9. Example • In Colorado, pressure from gun manufacturers planning to outsource gun jobs to other states due to recent laws enacted. • The resulting recall got two Democrat senators knocked out of office and replaced, and had another resign from office.

10. Repeating History • There is another concern that these events just keep happening, that there is nothing in place to stop people from doing these crimes. • The media shows us everyday that shootings keep happening, but there is still gridlock due to the sheer number of support on both sides.

11. Gridlock • This year has been one of the most gridlocked years in congress recorded. • The split representation has caused polarization in the house and senate, and people have responded with the lowest approval ratings ever, going as low as 9%.(Gallup)

12. Poll

13. Current gun legislation • There is currently no gun legeslation that has been passed at the national level. • There are state laws that have been passed, however, that do pertain to guns in their own state.

14. Examples • States where shootings have happened have seen a rise in gun laws. Colorado has enacted these laws, as well as Connecticut. • Our own state is one of the most strict states when it comes to gun law.

15. Mass Media • http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G1Az-i12b4s

16. How does the mass media address gun control? • Gun owners constantly criticize the media of being biased about being in favor of gun control. • An example is CBS’s “The Guns of Autumn” called for stricter gun laws. • Instances have caused the mass media to be pro gun laws. • Sandy Hook • Columbine • Virginia Tech • In each case more then 20 people were killed.

17. Social Media • In these cases the people are able to directly communicate or express there opinion on gun control. • These two social media sites are twitter or tumblr.

18. Political Parties • Right to obtain and store ammunition without registration. • Open more public land for hunting. • No frivolous gun lawsuits, no gun license. • Protect tight to bear arms. • Right to own firearms is subject to reasonable regulation. • Reauthorize assault weapons day, close gun loop hole. • Strength gun control to reduce violence. Republican Party Democratic Party

19. Political Parties • Democrats are highly in favor of stricter gun laws • 77 percent • Republicans are not in favor of stricter gun laws. • 23 percent are in favor • Also Democrats are more in favor of a hand gun band then the Republicans. • Republicans- 16 percent • Democrats- 37 percent

20. Political Parties Republican Party Democratic Party

21. Question and Answer

22. Question The average amount of people who have died in gun related incident since Newtown is about…. • 500 people • 2000 people • 6000 people • 12000 people

23. Answer D- 12,024 or more people have been killed due to guns

24. Question What percent of Americans say they have a gun in their house hold? • 10 percent • 24 percent • 32 percent • 44 percent

25. Answer C-32 percent of Americans say they have a registered gun in their home

26. Question How many illegal gun purchases have gone on in the past year in the United Sates? • 10000-20000 • 30000-40000 • 50000-60000 • 80000-90000

27. Answer B- The United States predicts that illegal gun purchases happen between 30000-40000 times a year.