The Challenges of Gun Control at the State Level: Why Congress, Not State Legislatures, May Hold the Key
With the frequent occurrences of mass shootings in the United States, the question arises: why are we waiting on the US Congress to make changes, and why can't we have state legislatures make changes?
Why State Legislatures Struggle
States either lack the ability or the political will to enact further gun control measures. Blue states, with many progressive legislatures, often face an uphill battle due to limited voting majorities within their legislatures. Red states, on the other hand, despite advocating for increased police and armed guards in schools, are reluctant to implement such measures due to the high costs associated with raising taxes.
Republican Majorities and Inaction
Thirty-five state legislatures are currently under Republican control, which means that over three-quarters of the nation's state governments are unlikely to enact significant gun control legislation. This political landscape makes it extremely difficult for state-level actions to gain traction.
The Complexity of Post-McDonald Laws
Post-McDonald state legislatures must be more mindful of the Second Amendment when creating gun control laws. While de facto bans on gun ownership through state laws are no longer feasible, some states continue to pass the strictest regulations they can get away with. This complexity adds another layer of difficulty to crafting effective legislation.
Moreover, state-level politics is often more challenging than Congressional politics. It is harder to gain a majority in one legislature compared to persuading majorities across 50 states. There is also a lack of consensus on what legislative changes should be enacted. For example, universal background checks, which are often proposed, are seen as insufficient by many gun control advocates.
The Ideology of the Gun Culture
The core ideology of one of the United States' major political parties includes a strong culture around guns. Many within this party see others as undeserving of life, which influences their stance on gun control. As a result, people who are seen as less deserving of life are often the victims of mass shootings, and this lack of empathy further complicates the push for change.
Gun Control in California: A Case Study
California, often seen as a leader in gun control efforts, has its own unique challenges. Despite leading the country in mass shootings, it operates within the constraints of the Second Amendment and the political landscape of its own state. The failure to comprehensively reduce the occurrence of mass shootings in California highlights the broader challenges faced by state legislatures.
Conclusion
The complexities and political constraints at both the state and federal levels illustrate why comprehensive gun control measures are so challenging to implement. While state legislatures play a crucial role, it may ultimately fall to Congress to enact the significant changes necessary to address the increasing incidence of mass shootings in the United States.