For the constitutional scholars amongst you...

[NutmegYankee]

12. The first clause does not limit the second clause. It's actually common to Constitutions.

For instance the Rhode Island Constitution of 1842 stated:

Sec. 20 The liberty of the press being essential to the security of freedom in a state, any person may publish his sentiments on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty; and in all trials for libel, both civil and criminal, the truth, unless published from malicious motives, shall be sufficient defense to the person charged.

Like many state Constitutions, it also stated:

Sec. 22 The right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.


The purpose of the right is well understood. The right of commoners to keep and own arms was part of English common law, as derived from the Saxon tradition. We codified that already existing right. An armed population had always been the traditional defense force of Republics up until that time and this country was going to need a similar defense.