The debate over the Second Amendment often feels like a tug-of-war. On one side, some argue it’s about protecting individuals’ rights to defend themselves from crime. On the other, some claim it’s all about state militias, not personal freedom. But there’s a missing piece to this puzzle—a third way to understand the Second Amendment.
This perspective views it as a personal right, but one that also serves the collective good: the defense of the community.
A Forgotten Legacy: Arms for All
In George Mason University Associate Professor Robert Leider’s insightful work, titled ‘The Individual Right To Bear Arms For Common Defense,‘ [embedded below] he revives an older understanding of the Second Amendment. He calls it the “individual right for common defense.” This isn’t about a government-controlled militia or just personal self-defense. Instead, it’s about empowering regular citizens to band together when needed—whether against invasion, tyranny, or societal collapse. This idea was mainstream in early America, where every able-bodied man was expected to be ready, armed, and trained.
Sadly, modern legal interpretations often ignore this. Since District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), courts have focused on the Second Amendment as a means of self-defense against crime. That’s valid but incomplete. Meanwhile, collective-rights advocates dismiss the right to bear arms as irrelevant in today’s military landscape, claiming militias are obsolete.
Both sides miss the historical truth: the right to bear arms was always meant to be broader than just personal safety or state-run militias.
Why the “Common Defense” Still Matters
Leider’s analysis is a wake-up call for today’s pro-gun advocates. The “common defense” isn’t just a relic of the Revolutionary War—it’s a practical framework for modern times. Here’s why it matters:
- Tyranny Never Sleeps: A government monopoly on force is dangerous. Armed citizens balance power, keeping government overreach in check. The Second Amendment isn’t just about protecting yourself from crime; it’s about ensuring freedom for everyone.
- Disaster Preparedness: Think of natural disasters, riots, or other emergencies when government services fail. In those moments, communities that can rally together—armed and organized—stand a better chance of survival.
- A Civic Duty: Leider reminds us that owning firearms isn’t just a right; it’s a responsibility. The founders envisioned citizens not as passive subjects but as active participants in their communities’ defense.
What Courts & Scholars Get Wrong
Leider critiques modern courts for sidelining the militia’s role in the Second Amendment. Today, laws often ban “military-style” weapons, claiming they aren’t necessary for self-defense. Ironically, these are the exact types of arms that citizens might need for common defense. Courts have also upheld bans on weapons like knives and nunchucks, ignoring their historical use in public defense.
Meanwhile, scholars rarely discuss how the Second Amendment could still function in a world of standing armies. Leider points out that America’s founders feared professional armies could oppress the population. An armed citizenry prevents this by being a counterweight to concentrated military power.
Building on This Vision
To bring Leider’s ideas into the 21st century, we need action. Here are some steps:
- Educate the Public: Many Americans don’t know this broader interpretation of the Second Amendment. Pro-gun advocates must highlight how owning firearms isn’t just about personal safety but about community resilience and national security.
- Fight for Militia-Friendly Policies: Laws that ban military-grade weapons or discourage firearms training hurt the spirit of the Second Amendment. We should push for policies that encourage responsible gun ownership and marksmanship.
- Promote Local Readiness: Local communities should revive the tradition of voluntary militias—not as a replacement for the National Guard but as a supplement. Imagine neighborhoods coming together to train for emergencies, fostering unity and preparedness.
Conclusion: A Right Worth Defending
The right to bear arms for common defense isn’t just a historical curiosity—it’s a vital part of America’s DNA. By embracing this idea, we honor the Second Amendment’s full scope and keep its promise alive for future generations. Let’s not limit the debate to “self-defense vs. state militias.” Instead, let’s rally around the broader vision: a nation where every citizen is empowered to defend not only themselves but also their neighbors and their freedom.
The Individual Right To Bear Arms For Common Defense by Robert Leider, George Mason University –
Marxist Ideology and the Push to Ban Militia Weapons in the USA
The purpose of the Second Amendment was clearly stated by the founding fathers in the Preamble to the Bill of Rights where it says “The convention of a number of states having at the time of their adopting of the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse, of its powers that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added”. Note that when the Second Amendment was written, every weapon was a weapon of war, there were no restrictions on the private ownership of weapons by law abiding, private citizens and the citizen militia (i.e. the people)… Read more »
We often get mired down in the definitions of today. Heller did this with the mention of “common use”. The NFA 1934 did this when it carved out specific types of weapons and accessories. In 1938 Miller did even more when it used a “military purpose” test. And the list continues ad nauseam. Black’s Law Dictionary 1787 defines “arms” as: “anything that a man wears for his defense, or takes in his hands as a weapon.” It also defines “weapon” as: “An instrument used in fighting ; an instrument of offensive or defensive combat.” While these two are mistakenly used… Read more »
It’s always good to get back to the basics.
read the words, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary for the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” a militia was all able bodied men from 16 until they were not able bodied and was required to possess a firearm and ammunition to defend themselves and their community, state, nation. there is no clause about self or home defense, that is kind of intuitive. the defense of the community is, the defense of self. and as we have seen over and over power is addictive and dangerous to… Read more »
Too many 2A groups forget about the “militia” part and think 2A’s just about carrying a Glock for self defense or keeping an AR15 locked and loaded in the house for home defense.
Excellent article, Sir!