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Gun Control and Federalism

Gun Control and Federalism

Gun control is the most divisive topic, with varying legal frameworks in place. Public safety versus individual freedom is an ever-evolving and multifaceted topic. Federal Bill HR7910, the Maryland state constitution, and the Second Amendment all take different positions on gun control legislation. In order to decide whether the control of guns should be implemented at the state and federal levels or as a combined authority, this essay looks at the similarities and differences between these three texts: Gun Control and Federalism.

Similarities and Differences

Federal Bill HR7910, Maryland’s state constitution, and the U.S. Second Amendment all share similar gun control philosophies. A well-functioning militia is essential to a free state’s security and the people’s right to keep and bear arms, which the Second Amendment states cannot be curtailed (Constitution Annotated, 2024). Similarly, Maryland’s Declaration of Rights states that in addition to passing laws to support Volunteer Militia organizations and provide them with effective encouragement, the General Assembly will occasionally create provisions for organizing, supplying, and disciplining the Militia as needed (50 Constitutions, 2025).

Federal Bill HR7910, while not a constitutional amendment, is a reflection of legislative efforts in curbing gun violence, with suggested actions including increasing background checks and the minimum age to purchase certain firearms. Specifically, HR7910 SEC. 101. restricts, with some exceptions, the sale or delivery of specific centerfire rifles or shotguns to individuals under the age of 21 by federal firearms licensees (Congress.gov, 2022).

Despite these similarities, the three documents bear striking differences. The individual capacity to own and carry arms is expressly guarded by the Second Amendment. In contrast, Maryland’s constitution does not contain such a clause but talks about the militia function without guaranteeing individual gun ownership. This distinguishes Maryland from most states as it is among the states with no constitutional right to bear and retain arms.

In addition, HR7910 is a contemporary legislative response against gun violence, proposing specific legislations such as raising the purchase age for particular firearms and expanding background checks, which are omitted in the general wording in the Second Amendment and Maryland’s version. Lastly, whereas the Second Amendment and Maryland Declaration of Rights were crafted in the 18th century in response to the era in which they were crafted, HR7910 is a contemporary legislative response to current societal issues with gun violence.

Gun Reform Implementation

In my opinion as a medical practitioner, the federal and state governments should share control over gun reform to ensure national consistency and local flexibility. However, a country’s place in the global order is partly determined by its relative military power (Greenberg & Page, 2018). All states may reduce gun-related deaths and injuries by implementing federal regulations like universal background checks and bans on large-capacity magazines.

States should be permitted to enact more regulations in light of crime rates and public health issues. States with more gun violence, for instance, would require more stringent policies, while others would focus more on mental health interventions and gun safety training. A collaborative framework is a balanced system that is protective of public health and responsive to constitutional protections and state-specific needs.

Conclusion

Gun control is a topic with differing regulations at both the state and national levels. While the Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, the Maryland state constitution does not explicitly provide this right but emphasizes the militia function. Federal Bill HR7910 is a modern legislative response to gun violence through stronger regulation, such as a raised minimum purchase age for firearms. A shared power solution between state and national governments would provide national consistency and flexibility in reacting to localized situations.

References

50 Constitutions. (2025, February 3). The Maryland Constitution. 50constitutions.org. https://50constitutions.org/md/constitution

Congress.gov. (2022). H.R.7910 – Protecting Our Kids Act. Www.congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7910/text

Constitution Annotated. (2024). U.S. Constitution – Second Amendment. Constitution.congress.gov; Library of Congress. https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-2/

Greenberg, E. S., & Page, B. I. (2018). Struggle for democracy- 2018 elections and updates edition. Pearson.

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Question

WEEK 2 ASSIGNMENT

State powers

Instructions
The objective of this assignment is to demonstrate a clear understanding of Federalism and how powers are separate at the federal and state levels, as outlined in Article I Section 8 Clause 18Links to an external site.. For this assignment, you are required to compare the following three documents: Federal Bill HR7910 – Protecting Our Kids ActLinks to an external site., the Second AmendmentLinks to an external site. of the Bill of Rights, and your state constitution concerning gun control.

Gun Control and Federalism

Gun Control and Federalism

Note: This is a reflective assignment which means you are not copying and pasting facts from the documents. Please ensure the paper contains an introduction and conclusion. There are no “right or wrong” answers.

Paragraph 1: Reflect on the similarities and differences among the three documents: Federal Bill HR7910 – Protecting Our Kids ActLinks to an external site., the Second AmendmentLinks to an external site. of the Bill of Rights, and your state constitution regarding gun control.

Paragraph 2: As a healthcare professional, reflect on whether you believe gun reform should be implemented at the federal or state level, or if it should be a shared power. Why or why not?

Requirements

  • Length: 1½-2 pages (not including title page or references page)
  • 1-inch margins
  • Double spaced
  • 12-point Times New Roman font
  • Title page
  • References page: Minimum sources: Article I Section 8 Clause 18Links to an external site., Federal Bill HR7910 – Protecting Our Kids ActLinks to an external site., The Second AmendmentLinks to an external site., your state constitutionLinks to an external site., course textbook (if used and cited).

Note:

  • If needed, the client is from Silver Spring in Maryland