Controversial Amendments and What They Mean

1. Second Amendment:

   • This was added to the Constitution in 1791. It says people have the right to own and carry guns.
   • As of 2021, about 393 million guns are owned by everyday people in the U.S.
   • In 2020, gun violence led to 45,222 deaths in the country.

2. Eighteenth Amendment (Prohibition):

   • This was passed in 1919, making it illegal to make, move, or sell alcohol.
   • Many people were unhappy about it, so it was taken away by the Twenty-First Amendment in 1933. This change happened because of more crime and health problems.

3. Voting Rights Amendment (still being discussed):

   • The Equal Rights Amendment aimed to ensure men and women are treated equally. It was first introduced in 1923 and brought back in 1972.
   • By 2021, 38 states had not approved it, showing that discussions about gender equality are still very important today.