Jefferson on Politics & Government: The Right to Bear Arms

Jefferson ON Civil Rights:

"The Right to Bear Arms

In a nation governed by the people themselves, the possession of arms to defend their nation against usurpers within and without was deemed absolutely necessary. This right is protected by the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution.

A gun was an everyday implement in early American society, and Jefferson recommended its use.

'A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun, therefore, be the constant companion of your walks.' --Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 1785. ME 5:85, Papers 8:407

'The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.' --Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824. ME 16:45

'One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them.' --Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1796. ME 9:341

'I learn with great concern that [one] portion of our frontier so interesting, so important, and so exposed, should be so entirely unprovided with common fire-arms. I did not suppose any part of the United States so destitute of what is considered as among the first necessaries of a farm-house.' --Thomas Jefferson to Jacob J. Brown, 1808. ME 11:432

'No freeman shall be debarred the use of arms (within his own lands or tenements).' --Thomas Jefferson: Draft Virginia Constitution (with his note added), 1776. Papers 1:353

'None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To keep ours armed and discip"