The Benefits of the Second AmendmentIn a tragic event such as a mass shooting, much of the American population is quick to conclude that the right to own a firearm is harmful to society; However, the Second Amendment is what allows the American people to protect themselves from such shootings. The privilege of owning a concealed firearm benefits the American public when it is well regulated for reasons such as self-defense and the freedoms of speech that American citizens are privileged to receive through the Second Amendment; given that they pass a background check. The Second Amendment makes the privilege of owning a firearm legal. This thesis paper will highlight the benefits of the right to own a firearm under the Second Amendment. Breaking down this amendment highlights the fact that the American people are allowed to own a firearm and associate with a well-regulated militia. A militia is essentially a civilian army that comes second to the national army in times of emergency. Owning a firearm is not a right, but rather a privilege for U.S. citizens who meet the applicable requirements. Not all citizens will meet these requirements. Gun control laws are standards intended to minimize violence and illegal use of firearms across the country. Banning guns nationwide would be unconstitutional, simply because it goes against what a constitutional amendment is. For example, there is an extensive process to purchase a firearm legally. You first apply for a background check and a firearms license, which is by no means a bad thing. Then there are mandatory waiting periods before knowing the results of the background check and whether you are eligible for a firearms license. Most states require that you take a gun safety course in order to complete your firearms license and show that you are worthy of owning and using a firearm. You can then purchase a gun and register it with the state, to prevent the illegal sale of your gun (smartgunlaws.org). For gun control activists who claim that guns are not beneficial to the safety of the American people, I present to you a quote from President Obama saying "I believe in the Second Amendment" (CNBC, Rosenfeld) The president takes the decisions about what is best. for the people of his country. Although simple, President Obama's words can tell us a lot. This tells us that the commander and leader of our country believes that the Second Amendment is good for the American people. If President Obama or any of his successors thought the Second Amendment was harmful to this country, don't you think they would have repealed it by now? Stricter background checks come with safer conditions. In Australia, "the American Journal of Law and Economics reported in