For policy to be effective, it is essential that the national, state, and local governments all take part in enforcing the gun laws implemented. Vizzard argues that gun control is different from other policy issue areas in that political structure, values and culture all serve to inhibit decisive action. The structure of American politics is for plural centers of power and assumes that competing forces will refine policy. Gun control policy has not followed this pattern because constantly conflicting viewpoints inhibit its evolution. The conflicting paradigms used in arguments towards gun control also affect evolution of the policy.
Advocates argue that gun control is essential to reducing crime and saving innocent lives.
Opponents claim that gun control is unrelated to these issues. They stress that restrictions are contradictory to the American right to choose. Advocates argue against this, claiming that lack of gun control infringes on the right to life. Regulations such as registration and licensing are the least opposed by the NRA, but stronger regulations are difficult to implement. Until the public mobilizes to pressure legislators, there are no prospects for a change in the current situation.