Why is Article 2 Section 26 of the Arizona Constitution so important?

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, and many states have similar provisions in their own constitutions. Arizona's Constitution is one such document that enshrines the right to bear arms in Article II, § 26, which reads, “The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the State shall not be impaired.” This provision is so important because it recognizes the fundamental right of citizens to protect themselves and their communities. The right to bear arms is deeply ingrained in American culture and history, dating back to the country's founding. The Second Amendment was added to the Constitution in 1791 to ensure that citizens could arm themselves to defend against tyranny and oppression, whether from a foreign invader or a domestic government. This right has been upheld by the Supreme Court in several landmark cases, including District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010).

Arizona's Constitution takes this right a step further by explicitly stating that the individual citizen's right to bear arms cannot be impaired. This provision acknowledges that the right to self-defense is a fundamental human right that cannot be taken away by the government. It also recognizes the importance of individual responsibility and accountability in protecting oneself and one's community. Article II, § 26 also acknowledges the role of citizens in defending the State. While law enforcement officers and the military have a critical role in protecting the State, they cannot be everywhere at once. Citizens who are trained and authorized to carry firearms can act as a force multiplier, deterring criminal activity and responding to threats in a timely manner. Know your rights!