The right to bear arms was ensured with the attachment of the Second Amendment to the Constitution. This right has many affects in society such as preventing the government from becoming tyrannical to protection of self. Even though this amendment was drafted over two- hundred years ago, the primary principles that it was based upon still hold today.
             "Sword and Sovereignty always march hand in hand..." Protection of your freedoms from the government can only be ensured in a democracy with armed people. The possession of arms prevents and protects its citizens from a government becoming oppressive or too powerful. With the knowledge that the people have means to overthrow a government, it keeps the lawmakers in check, thus making sure the government will not over step its boundaries. As stated by Cress, "the Second Amendment was intended to provide all citizens with the ultimate check on despotism." This keeps the power in the hands of the people instead of a powerful central rule. A large example of this can be seen in the American Revolution. With armed citizens, the separation from England's oppressive rule was made possible.
             In order for a democracy to work, the people within the democracy must remain virtuous. Through the right to bear arms, the moral character of citizens are kept. This puts a responsibility on the people to protect themselves, which makes them accountable for what happens in their society. People will be more likely to do what is right for their own benefit. As stated in Robert Shalhope's article, "The English Libertarians perceived a dynamic relationship between the possession of arms and the spirit and character of the people. The hallmark of virtuous republican citizenship, Burgh reemphasized, was the individual's ability and willingness to arm himself in defense of his person, his property, and his state."
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