The Framers recognized that self-government requires the People's access to bullets as well as ballots. In short, the right to bear arms was intended to ensure that our government remained in the hands of the People. There is no nation on earth powerful enough to accomplish our overthrow. Our destruction, should it ever come at all, will be from another quarter. From the inattention of the people to the concerns of their government, from their carelessness and negligence.
Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers.
There is one safeguard known generally to the wise, which is an advantage and security to all, but especially to democracies as against despots. It's the best thing you can do for crooks and gangsters. I want you to have nothing. If I'm a bad guy, I'm always gonna have a gun. We'll see who wins.