Which of the following did James Madison see the main purpose of a constitutional right to keep and bear arms?

A. It would give the people on the frontier protection again hostile Native Americans
B. It would give the people a last line of defense against a tyrannical government
C. It would give the people a means of self defense against criminals
D. It would give people a way to hunt and shoot for sport

1 answer

B. It would give the people a last line of defense against a tyrannical government

James Madison and many of the Founding Fathers believed that a well-regulated militia and the right to keep and bear arms were essential for ensuring that the people could defend themselves against tyranny and oppression.