Areas of Common Ground
Despite partisan divides, most Americans agree on these key points:
- âś“Gun violence is a serious problem that affects too many communities
- âś“The Second Amendment protects an individual right to own firearms
- âś“People with serious mental illness shouldn't have access to guns
+ 7 more areas of agreement below
What's the Challenge?
Gun policy divides Americans along partisan and cultural lines, yet gun violence affects communities across the political spectrum. The debate often frames gun rights and gun safety as opposing values, when most Americans—including gun owners—support both responsible gun ownership and reasonable safety measures. Mass shootings, urban violence, and suicide by firearm all demand serious attention. The question is whether Americans can move beyond all-or-nothing positions to find practical solutions.
Where Most Americans Agree
Gun violence is a serious problem that affects too many communities
The Second Amendment protects an individual right to own firearms
People with serious mental illness shouldn't have access to guns
Violent criminals should not be able to purchase firearms
Background checks should apply to gun purchases
Gun safety training is important for gun owners
Parents are responsible for securing firearms away from children
Red flag laws can prevent some tragedies if applied with due process
Enforcing existing laws should be a priority
Mental health services need better funding and accessibility
Source: Pew Research Center 2024, Johns Hopkins Gun Policy Survey
Current Perspectives from Both Sides
Understanding the full debate requires hearing what each side actually argues—not caricatures or strawmen.
Progressive Perspective
- •Gun lobby and NRA obstruct common-sense gun safety laws that save lives
- •Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines have no place in civilian hands
- •Universal background checks and waiting periods reduce gun deaths
- •Other developed countries have proven that gun control works
- •Gun violence is a public health crisis requiring comprehensive action
- •The Second Amendment was written for muskets, not AR-15s
Conservative Perspective
- •The Second Amendment is an individual right that shall not be infringed
- •Gun control only disarms law-abiding citizens, not criminals
- •Good guys with guns stop bad guys with guns and prevent mass casualties
- •Gun bans and confiscation lead to tyranny, as history repeatedly shows
- •Mental health and criminal enforcement are the real issues, not guns themselves
- •Self-defense is a fundamental human right that government cannot take away
These represent current talking points from each side of the political spectrum. Understanding both perspectives is essential for productive dialogue.
Evidence-Based Facts
Approximately 49,000 Americans died from gun-related injuries in 2023, with suicide accounting for over half
Source: CDC WONDER Database
There are an estimated 400+ million civilian-owned firearms in the U.S.
Source: Small Arms Survey
Background checks have blocked over 4 million prohibited purchases since 1998
Source: FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System
Gun ownership rates vary significantly by region: highest in rural areas and the South
Source: Pew Research Center
States with universal background checks have 15% lower gun homicide rates
Learn More
RAND Gun Policy Research
Comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of gun policies and their effects
RAND Corporation
National Shooting Sports Foundation - Project ChildSafe
Gun safety education and free firearm safety kit program
NSSF
Brady Campaign - Gun Violence Prevention
Research and advocacy for gun violence prevention policies
Brady Campaign
Questions for Thoughtful Debate
What gun safety measures are both effective and constitutional?
How do we reduce gun suicides while respecting privacy and rights?
What's the right balance between gun rights and public safety in different contexts?
How can red flag laws protect both safety and due process?
What role should mental health interventions play in gun violence prevention?
How do we address illegal guns and straw purchases more effectively?
Can technology (smart guns, better tracking) help reduce gun deaths?