What does militia mean in the 2nd Amendment?

well regulated Militia
The text of the amendment, which refers to a “well regulated Militia,” suggests as much. As the Supreme Court correctly noted in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the militia of the founding era was the body of ordinary citizens capable of taking up arms to defend the nation.

What is the constitutional definition of a militia?

The military force of the nation, consisting of citizens called forth to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrection and repel invasion.

What are the two definitions of militia?

Definition of militia 1a : a part of the organized armed forces of a country liable to call only in emergency The militia was called to quell the riot. b : a body of citizens organized for military service. 2 : the whole body of able-bodied male citizens declared by law as being subject to call to military service.

Do any states have a militia?

Currently, only Ohio, Alaska and New York have uniformed naval militias. Only California, Vermont, and Puerto Rico have an air wing, though Indiana formerly had an Air Guard Reserve.

What does the 2nd Amendment really say?

What the Second Amendment really says. The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution says, “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.”.

Why was the Second Amendment has become so controversial?

The Second Amendment has become a controversial amendment in recent years. Many people want more laws to prevent people from owning guns. They think this will help prevent shootings and keep criminals and mentally ill people from getting guns. Other people want to keep this right and not have it limited.

What is a well regulated militia?

“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. “. In the context of the protected right, its safe to say that “A well [blank] militia” is the resulting act completed by “the right of the people to keep and bear arms”.

What does the 2nd Amendment say in plain language?

Second Amendment The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: “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.” Such language has created considerable debate regarding the Amendment’s intended scope.