Research Paper (Arguing a Position) Draft 1

Instructions

The entire class is focused on a research-based, ten-page Arguing a Position paper. You will be taking a position on a topic that matters to you and trying to convince your readers of it--through logical argumentation (logos), presenting yourself as trustworthy (ethos), appealing to readers' emotions and values (pathos), and carefully employed research. Your essay should include the following Key Features:

1. A clear and arguable position
2. Necessary background information
3. Good reasons
4. Convincing evidence
5. Appeals to readers' values
6. A trustworthy tone
7. Careful consideration of other positions

Essay Outline:

The Second Amendment - Why It Should Be Supported and How It Benefits Civilians

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants civilians the right to bear arms. This thesis argues that the Second Amendment should be supported because it empowers self-defense, serves as a deterrent against government overreach, and reinforces individual freedoms essential to democracy.

Introduction:

The Second Amendment has long been debated in terms of its relevance and impact on modern society. However, this right remains a critical safeguard for civilian protection and liberty. The thesis will focus on how gun ownership helps law-abiding citizens protect themselves and their property, while also playing a vital role in preventing the consolidation of unchecked governmental power.

Purpose of the Policy:

The Second Amendment was intended to ensure citizens had the means to defend themselves against personal threats and potential government tyranny. It reflects the Founding Fathers' intent to avoid authoritarian rule and preserve individual freedoms.

Self-Defense:Civilians rely on their right to bear arms as a means of self-defense. In situations where immediate law enforcement is not available, the ability to protect oneself can save lives. Various studies have shown that defensive gun use occurs frequently and prevents crime.

Check on Government Power:An armed citizenry can serve as a check on governmental overreach. Historical examples, such as the American Revolution, demonstrate the importance of civilians having access to arms to resist oppressive governments.

Protection of Civil Liberties:The Second Amendment supports the broader framework of rights and liberties guaranteed in the Constitution. Limiting the right to bear arms risks setting a precedent for the erosion of other rights.

Benefits of the Second Amendment:

For Individuals: Allows citizens to protect themselves from crime.

For Society: Promotes responsible gun ownership and instills a sense of personal responsibility.

For Democracy: Helps maintain a balance between the power of the state and the autonomy of its citizens.

Conclusion:

The Second Amendment is essential for protecting civilians and maintaining democratic principles. Instead of restricting this right, the focus should be on enforcing responsible gun ownership and educating the public on firearm safety. Supporting the Second Amendment ensures that law-abiding citizens can protect their lives, liberty, and property.

References:

Levinson, Sanford.The Embarrassing Second Amendment. Yale Law Journal, 1989.

Cornell, Saul.A Well-Regulated Militia: The Founding Fathers and the Origins of Gun Control in America. Oxford University Press, 2006.

Halbrook, Stephen P.The Founders' Second Amendment: Origins of the Right to Bear Arms. Ivan R. Dee, 2008.

Halbrook, Stephen P. The Right to Bear Arms: A Constitutional Right of the People or a Privilege of the Ruling Class? Bombardier Books, 2021.

Lettow, Lerner. "THE SECOND AMENDMENT AND THE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE." Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, vol. 43, 2020, pp. 320-21. journals.law.harvard.edu/jlpp/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2020/03/Lerner-FINAL.pdf.

Michigan Law Review. "Securing Gun Rights by Statute: The Right to Keep and Bear Arms Outside the Constitution - Michigan Law Review." Michigan Law Review, 18 Apr. 2022, michiganlawreview.org/journal/securing-gun-rights-by-statute-the-right-to-keep-and-bear-arms-outside-the-constitution.

God and Guns: A Biblical Worldview Analysis of the Second Amendment and Self-Defense. (2022, July 8). Standing for Freedom Center. https://www.standingforfreedom.com/2022/07/god-and-guns-a-biblical-worldview-analysis-of-the-second-amendment-and-self-defense/

Google Books. (n.d.). https://www.google.com/books/edition/Can_Gun_Control_Work/dpzN711aYlQC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA1&printsec=frontcover

Miliani, A. (2024, February 16). Why the right to bear arms remains entrenched in American culture and politics. Le Monde.fr. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/les-decodeurs/article/2024/02/16/why-the-right-to-bear-arms-remains-entrenched-in-american-culture-and-politics_6531021_8.html#

Winkler, A. (2011). Gunfight: The Battle over the Right to Bear Arms in America. http://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BB13485446

Yokley, E. (2024, April 10). More voters prioritize gun rights following Kansas City chiefs Super Bowl rally shooting. Morning Consult Pro. https://pro.morningconsult.com/instant-intel/gun-control-polling-february-2024

RESEARCH PAPER BASIC STRUCTURE

Introduction Paragraph: (Introductory sentence(s). Thesis. Transition sentence into first body paragraph.

Body Paragraphs

I. Topic sentence: The Second Amendment should be supported because it empowers self-defense. (Make sure to use credible sources to support your claims.)

II. Topic sentence: The Second Amendment should be supported because it serves as a deterrent against government overreach. (Make sure to use credible sources to support your claims.)

III. Topic sentence: The Second Amendment should be supported because it reinforces individual freedoms essential to democracy. (Make sure to use credible sources to support your claims.)

Conclusion