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Originally Posted by The_Jazz
It says that the Federal Government can't infringe on the ability of the States to keep and maintain a militia, in my opinion. But that's an argument you and I have talked over for years, DK. It specifically mentions "The People", but that's not a term that used elsewhere in the Constitution and one that's never really been defined.
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We
the people of the United States, (preamble)
Art. I, § 2, cl. 1 ("The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by
the People of the several States")
the right of
the people peaceably to assemble (1st Amendment)
The right of
the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated,(4th Amendment)
shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by
the people.(9th Amendment)
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to
the people.(10th Amendment)
United States v. Verdugo-Urquidez
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While this textual exegesis is by no means conclusive, it suggests that "the people" protected by the Fourth Amendment, and by the First and Second Amendments, and to whom rights and powers are reserved in the Ninth and Tenth Amendments, refers to a class of persons who are part of a national community or who have otherwise developed sufficient connection with this country to be considered part of that community.
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And just to further persuade you that your opinion might be inaccurate,
Quote:
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Art. 1, Section 10, Clause 3 (Compact Clause): No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.
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This may, or may not, change your opinion, and if it does not, I would urge you to examine your opinion to see if that's really an opinion on your straight reading of the text of the 2nd Amendment or nothing more than your desire to see it read that way.