Gunning Down the Constitution

The rights to free speech, freedom of religion, and to keep and bear arms were rights the federal government could never take away from the states, allowing states to regulate speech, religion — and yes, firearms — as each saw fit. Today, the Founders would declare federal gun legislation like the Brady Bill to be unconstitutional, pointing to the 2nd, 9th, and 10th amendments. The Founders also would have declared Chicago’s gun ban constitutional (albeit stupid), also pointing to the 9th and 10th amendments. The 2nd amendment does not apply to the Chicago gun ban because the federal government is not involved — nor should it be.

The intent of the founders to limit the federal government and to buttress states' rights was abrogated by the Union victory in the Civil War.  

"If Patrick Henry were alive, he would likely be reaching for his musket." ~ Jack Hunter