Dear Mr. or Madam President,

Gun control has become an increasingly prevalent issue in our country in the last few decades, especially since mass shootings occur more in the United States than any other country. According to the American Sociological Association’s study based on the FBI’s definition of a ‘mass shooting’, about a third of the world’s mass shootings between 1966 and 2012 took place in the U.S.

There are many people who feel that banning guns would infringe upon a fundamental right given to the American people. As written in our country's Constitution, the Second Amendment states, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

However, with the overwhelming amount of gun violence and mass shootings, many people have come to support the idea of stricter gun control in America.

While getting rid of the right to own a gun all together would upset many people, there is a clear necessity for stricter gun control in our country. There is a need for less radical methods to strengthen gun control, such as reinforcing more extensive background checks on gun purchasers.

As stated by the American Sociological Association, our country holds 31% of the world’s mass shootings. This is primarily because firearms are too easily accessible in the United States.

If the government required stricter and more extensive background checks for gun purchasers, we would be able to prevent guns being in the hands of the wrong people. A lot of people who are against gun control argue that the majority of shooters are getting their guns illegally. However, more than 80% of shootings are carried out with guns that have been legally bought. Because of this, requiring in-depth background checks would be extremely beneficial in preventing guns being distributed to dangerous people, such as people who have been convicted of felony domestic violence or other federal offences .

I ask that you consider these ideas to help improve gun control and the safety among the people in America.

Sincerely,

Bridget M.