How has the Second Amendment been interpreted by the Supreme Court, and what factors have influenced the constitutional understanding of the Second Amendment?
Objectives
Students will use the QFT to generate questions about the Second Amendment and its historical context.
Students will explore primary sources and their implications for the interpretation of the Second Amendment.
Students will analyze current events related to the Second Amendment and connect them to the historical context and legal interpretations.
Example of the Question Formulation Technique (QFT)
Anticipate
Assign the background readings on the historical context of the Second Amendment prior to the lesson.
Prepare guiding questions to help students focus on key themes during their reading.
Scaffolding Note: Provide definitions for key terms such as “militia,” “arms,” and “gun control” on a classroom poster or handout.
Key Terms: Militia, Second Amendment, Gun Rights, Gun Control
Engage
Briefly discuss the historical context of the Second Amendment, including the period, the drafters’ intentions, and the original purpose.
Facilitate a think-pair-share activity where students discuss their thoughts with a partner before sharing with the class.
Explore
Introduce the Question Formulation Technique (QFT), explaining its purpose and how it will be used during this activity.
Step 1: Question Generation
Divide students into small groups. Provide materials with primary source excerpts, Supreme Court decisions, and news articles.
Instruct groups to brainstorm as many questions as possible about the Second Amendment and its interpretation.
Example prompts: “What does ‘the right of the people to keep and bear arms’ mean?” “How have historical contexts influenced interpretation?” “What are the implications of District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)?”
Step 2: Question Refinement
Groups select and refine their top three questions for clarity and depth.
Step 3: Question Prioritization
Groups prioritize the most significant question(s) and share them with the class.
Step 4: Class Discussion
Facilitate a discussion on the generated questions using readings for support.
Follow-up prompts: Why is this question important? How does it deepen understanding? How is it connected to current events?
Assess & Reflect
Students select a current event related to the Second Amendment or gun control.
They identify a QFT question the article helps answer, and explain how the article connects to historical context and legal interpretation.
Extend
Create a visual timeline of key events, Supreme Court cases, and legislation.
Step 1: Review QFT Questions – Use questions to guide research.
Step 2: Research Phase – Groups research events such as:
Drafting of the Second Amendment (1791)
District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)
McDonald v. Chicago (2010)
Gun Control Act of 1968
Major public events prompting gun rights debate
Step 3: Timeline Creation – Timelines should include dates, descriptions, significance, and answers to QFT questions.
Step 4: Present Timelines – Groups present timelines and relate them to QFT questions.
Step 5: Class Discussion & Reflection – Reflect on connections between events and questions, and how historical context informs understanding.
