The National Rifle Association or the NRA is a national interest group, and arguably the most prolific and powerful one. This nonprofit organization was founded in 1871 and since 1934 has informed its members about any and all gun legislation. Beginning in 1975, the NRA has directly lobbied for and against legislation concerning the second amendment. The success and strength of the NRA is due to several reasons. First, the issue of the second amendment is very important and integral to many Americans. Second, they have a very large and active membership with estimates putting the total between 3-5 million members. (Harkinson) The largest part of their strength comes from their supporters. Over 70 million americans own guns. Most of these persons
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They are pro-gun, and against any sort of laws restricting or controlling the right to own or keep arms in any capacity. They are pro second amendment and read this constitution amendment in the literal way. The NRA has been at the forefront of legislation including Florida’s “Weapons and Firearms” statue. The NRA is at the forefront of all state’s pro gun legislation, as well as using its resources for state’s anti gun legislation. On the national front, the NRA lobbies and influences legislation that reach to both sides of this national issue. The 2008 Supreme Court ruling in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller was a very important decision in personal rights concerning owning firearms. This case also has sparked a debate that is going to be heard by the Supreme Court in the near future regarding specific weapons that had previously been banned, even though there were no laws making this action legal. If there is gun legislation either being debated, enacted, or fought over, the NRA is undoubtedly at the forefront of …show more content…
Contrary to popular myth, the NRA does give money that is accepted by democratic candidates. Democrats, especially those in areas where gun rights and ownership is predominant, and important to the constituents receive money and support from the NRA just as their Republican colleagues receive. Some have criticized Democrats for being aligned with the NRA. The reason many democrats are leary and unwilling to vote against NRA legislation is two fold, firstly is the basic principle that many of these democrat legislators believe in the second amendment. Though their party may be for restrictive legislation on gun ownership, they personally are not of the same mind, thus they vote with their conscience and with what their constituents want, which is what all legislators are supposed to, but sadly do not always do. The second reason democrat lawmakers vote for pro gun legislation or against restrictive gun laws, is the larger issue of though they may not receive money from the NRA in their campaigns, many democrat candidates, incumbent or otherwise are afraid to oppose the NRA because they have been known to use their influence and money to help whomever that person is running against, thus possibly crippling their campaign, or getting defeated outright. Eighty percent of those receiving money from the NRA or its affiliates are re-elected historically in congressional
They are pro-gun, and against any sort of laws restricting or controlling the right to own or keep arms in any capacity. They are pro second amendment and read this constitution amendment in the literal way. The NRA has been at the forefront of legislation including Florida’s “Weapons and Firearms” statue. The NRA is at the forefront of all state’s pro gun legislation, as well as using its resources for state’s anti gun legislation. On the national front, the NRA lobbies and influences legislation that reach to both sides of this national issue. The 2008 Supreme Court ruling in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller was a very important decision in personal rights concerning owning firearms. This case also has sparked a debate that is going to be heard by the Supreme Court in the near future regarding specific weapons that had previously been banned, even though there were no laws making this action legal. If there is gun legislation either being debated, enacted, or fought over, the NRA is undoubtedly at the forefront of …show more content…
Contrary to popular myth, the NRA does give money that is accepted by democratic candidates. Democrats, especially those in areas where gun rights and ownership is predominant, and important to the constituents receive money and support from the NRA just as their Republican colleagues receive. Some have criticized Democrats for being aligned with the NRA. The reason many democrats are leary and unwilling to vote against NRA legislation is two fold, firstly is the basic principle that many of these democrat legislators believe in the second amendment. Though their party may be for restrictive legislation on gun ownership, they personally are not of the same mind, thus they vote with their conscience and with what their constituents want, which is what all legislators are supposed to, but sadly do not always do. The second reason democrat lawmakers vote for pro gun legislation or against restrictive gun laws, is the larger issue of though they may not receive money from the NRA in their campaigns, many democrat candidates, incumbent or otherwise are afraid to oppose the NRA because they have been known to use their influence and money to help whomever that person is running against, thus possibly crippling their campaign, or getting defeated outright. Eighty percent of those receiving money from the NRA or its affiliates are re-elected historically in congressional