Gun Control

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that if one examines the history of the American government's gun control policy, then one realizes that these policies have less to do with the love of guns and more to do with the political process. Further, the writer maintains that while one can continue to put forward strong claims both for and against gun control, American history verifies the dedication towards pluralism and incrementalism. The writer points out that gun control policy evaluation reveals use of language and symbols that conflicts with complicated methods of policy formulation and execution. Further, the writer notes that the trouble free access to a large figure of guns has been associated with the high crime rates throughout the country.

Outline:
Introduction
History
Penetration of the Federal Government
Assassinations Revive the Issue
Execution of GCA and the General Reaction of the Public
The Enactment of the Brady's Bill
The democratic power of interest groups
Use of democratic ideals for achieving political ends
Democratic action (or lack of it)
Systemic Roots of Indecision
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The passing of Sullivan Law in New York in 1909, which legalized the possession of guns, opened the doors of gun possession to the general public. This law has been passed during the time when ban on drug-use and alcohol-consumption was being strongly advanced. The passing of Sullivan Law has been not only as an outcome of this but also due to fear of increase in crime rates and population of new immigrants. In the New York City the police had strict control over the use of guns and only the most influential were allowed to possess handguns. This successful control over possession of handguns was being used as a model by supporters of Gun Control; while the opponents were using this situation to unite its support."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barber, Benjamin R. (1984). Strong Democracy: Participatory Politics for a New Age. Berkeley: University of California Press.
• Bruce-Biggs, B. (1976). The Great American Gun War. The Public Interest. 45, 37-62.
• Cobb, Roger W. and Charles D. Elder, (1972). Participation in American Politics: The Dynamics of Agenda-Building. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Davidson, Osha Gray, (1993). Under Fire: The NRA and the Battle for Gun Control. New York: Henry Holt.
• Gallup Poll, (1990). Support for Gun Control at All Time High. 55 (September 26).

More papers on Gun Control:

• Argumentative Essay # 139490 : "Why Gun Control is a Good Thing"
• Analytical Essay # 123651 : "Gun Control is Needed"
• Comparison Essay # 33611 : " Costs and Benefits of Gun Control"
• Persuasive Essay # 74503 : "The Gun Control Debate"

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