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Should Congress Pass Further Legislation to Increase Restrictions on Firearms?

69.5% yes
30.5% no

In the wake of multiple mass shootings across the United States over the summer, Congress passed, and President Biden signed a new package of laws—titled the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act—designed to address gun violence. The law incentivizes states to pass “red flag” laws, expands background checks, and expands restrictions on citizens convicted of domestic abuse from owning guns. The issue of what restrictions should exist on firearm ownership has long been discussed and debated in our country as citizens weigh questions around public safety, constitutional rights, and the role of government. After the passage of this act, debates still continue over if further legislation is needed. 

Those who argue that Congress should pass further legislation to increase restrictions on firearms claim that increased restrictions are needed to reduce gun violence. They may argue that the Second Amendment was designed to create militias for the defense of communities, and not to give individuals the right to own firearms. Therefore, they argue, governments should have wider range to restrict gun ownership. They may support a wide range of measures ranging from raising the age of legal gun ownership to passing stronger “red flag” laws to banning the carrying of guns in certain areas.  

Those who argue that Congress should not pass further legislation to increase restrictions on firearms contend that more restrictions would harm law-abiding citizens and their ability to defend themselves. They argue that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to own a firearm. Therefore, they argue, governments should be limited in its ability to pass restrictions on guns and that laws that impede ownership should be closely scrutinized.  

So, what do you think? Should Congress pass legislation to increase restrictions on firearms? Students may answer Yes, it should; No, it should not; or a nuanced answer in between! Be sure to submit your answers by September 22nd to be considered for this week’s competition. 


Note: Ideal Think the Vote responses include the following:      

  • Address the question asked in a thoughtful and meaningful manner     
  • Use cited facts and constitutional arguments when appropriate to support their answers      
  • Are expressed in cohesive sentences and are free of distracting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors      
  • They address counterarguments and opposing concerns in a respectful manner      
  • They organize their answer in a manner that flows logically and reads clearly   

JOIN THE DEBATE BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $1,000 CASH SCHOLARSHIP!

For this question, BRI will be giving away two $25 gift cards, one to each person providing the best defense of each side of the debate. Both students will also win BRI swag. Each student winner will also be entered for a chance to win a grand prize of a $1,000 cash scholarship. Additionally, the referring teachers for both students will each win a $25 gift card and BRI swag.

This question will run from 9/8/22 to 9/21/22, so be sure to submit your answers in time to be considered for our prizes!

(For rules/regulations click HERE)


Reading materials


Current Standings

christine from Missouri voted yes1 reply

I think guns are a big problem in the united states because anyone can buy them. there needs to be backgrounds checks on people who want to buy a gun…

Ethan from Colorado voted no

No, because if a criminal wants a gun a criminal will get a gun. All this will do is prevent good law-abiding citizens the chance of getting a gun to…

Mariska from Ohio voted yes

With the amount of mass/ shooting, something has to be done. It is understood that banning guns will not get rid of them, however, placing higher restrictions and slowing down…

Emma from Missouri voted no1 reply

Congress should not pass any further legislation to increase restrictions on firearms. Gun violence is the violence of the person wielding the firearm, not that of the gun itself. Texas…

Elyssa from Missouri voted yes

In my opinion, I think that I am in the middle of both having guns and not having a gun restrictions because I know my family likes to hunt a…

Harry from Kentucky voted no

Congress should not pass further legislation to increase restrictions of firearms. In wake of the recent upticking in gun violence within the states, especially among “troubled youths” who have perpetrated…

Joshua from Missouri voted yes2 replies

Should congress pass further legislation to increase restrictions on fire arms? I think they should. Fire arms are very dangerous and cause way to many deaths. this statement can be…

Nate from Pennsylvania voted no3 replies

Shall not be infringed is pretty clear.

Nathan from Missouri voted yes

I agree that we should increase restrictions on firearms. Although it may be good to have a weapon for self defense, there are many reasons to increase the restrictions on…

Torin from Missouri voted no

"California has more mass public shootings per capita than Texas does. On a per capita basis, California has had 18% more since 2010". Statistically Gun control does nothing to limit…


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