"In a nutshell, then, the Second Amendment's right to bear arms reflects not only a concern for one's personal defense, but serves as a check on the political power of the ruling authorities. It represents an implicit warning against governmental encroachments on one's freedoms, the warning shot over the bow to discourage any unlawful violations of our persons or property. As such, it reinforces that necessary balance in the citizen-state relationship."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-...a-sy_b_4980918.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-...a-sy_b_4980918.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592