Nephi 9:28-29 @ Votebushin12 A militia had a much broader defninition at the time the constitution was written then it does now. At the time that was written "well regulated" also had a much different meaning. If you go back and look at the language of the time the amendment does actually refer directly to individual citizens. Also it says "the right of people to keep and bear arms". And if you still disagree with that, then look at the entire bill of rights, and research its basis. The basis centers around "natural law" or "natural rights". The Declaration of Independence describes that best, however the concept stems from John Locke. The basis is "all men are created equal". Consider the wording of the entire bill of rights; only the 10th amendment refers directly to the states having rights. The rest are all in a continuing format regarding the rights of individuals. The full second amendment is "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to keep the security of a free State, the right of people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed". In todays words that would mean "Needing citizens (miltia in context) able and ready (well regulated) to defend their homes, which is necessary for the security of a State in the United States, the right of citizens to own and use firearms shall not be infringed." That being said, I am not against mental health checks to be able to own a machine gun, but I