Yin Representative Government: Gun Control

Gun supporters attend a second amendment rally on the grounds of the Washington Monument in Washington on April 19, 2010.

The Newtown Connecticut massacre reignited a national debate over whether U.S. gun control laws need strengthening.

The debate over guns in America goes back to 1791, when the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, was adopted. Long one of the Constitution's most disputed passages, the Second Amendment reads, in its entirety: "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

Gun-rights groups- the most powerful of which is the National Rifle Association- have long argued that restrictions on gun ownership infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens and make it harder for them to protect themselves against criminals. The vast majority of gun owners, the N.R.A. says, use firearms responsibly.

But gun control advocates say the recent shootings prove that the nation's gun laws are too weak. Democrats say they will push to renew the assault-weapons ban and try to ban high-capacity clips. The Justice Department may also revive plans to expand the background-check system.

Citation: Smith, Patricia. "THE GUN DEBATE." New York Times Upfront. 28 Jan. 2013: 6. eLibrary. Web. 03 Mar. 2013.