Candidate Calculator 2008 Election
Assault Weapons Ban
Summary
In September 1994, the federal government enacted the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB), which prohibited sale to civilians of certain semi-automatic "assault weapons" (for example, AK-47s and Uzis) manufactured after the ban's enactment. The 10-year ban expired in 2004, and renewal of the ban has been hotly debated.
Yes: Support Assault Weapons Ban
Assault weapons are highly dangerous firearms frequently used in criminal activity. For the 10 years that the Federal Assault Weapons Ban was active, it helped reduce the supply of assault weapons to criminals and helped reduce their usage in crimes. Gun hobbyists and hunters have plentiful choices of legal weapons to use other than assault weapons that are far better suited for recreational gun use.You support this or similar arguments.
No: Against Assault Weapons Ban
Contrary to popular belief, assault weapons are rarely used in criminal activity and the Assault Weapons Ban had no real effect on their use. In fact, since the ban ended in 2004, assault weapon use has not increased. The ban is another attempt to weaken the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees "the right of the people to keep and bear arms." Our forefathers had good reasons for writing the Second Amendment, and the amendment needs to be protected.
You support this or similar arguments.
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Additional Information
| Support Ban | Against Ban |
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