![Commentary: In their own words: What the Founding Fathers really believed about guns](https://www.theblaze.com/media-library/image.jpg?id=18908370&width=980&quality=85)
In 18th century, gun ownership was common, and there was virtually no fear governments might restrict guns because of their potential danger around the household. The primary purpose of the Second Amendment, like all amendments in the Bill of Rights, was to protect the people from an out-of-control national government. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)