Patrick Henry made this statement in his speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention.

Quotation taken from a 1788 speech by Patrick Henry at the Virginia Ratifying Convention. It says, Have we the means of resisting disciplined armies, when our only defense, the militia, is put into the hands of Congress?
© 2013 FLVS

Why does Patrick Henry think "the right to bear arms" is important?

Citizens should have the right to resist any military order.
Citizens should prevent Congress from declaring war.
Citizens should be able to trade freely between states.
Citizens should be able to defend themselves from tyranny.

Patrick Henry believes that "the right to bear arms" is important because he believes that citizens should be able to defend themselves from tyranny. He expresses concern that if the militia, which is the only defense of the citizens, is put into the hands of Congress, they would not have the means to resist disciplined armies. Therefore, Henry believes that allowing citizens to bear arms is crucial for their protection and to safeguard against potential abuses of power by the government.

Patrick Henry made this statement in his speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention.

Quotation taken from a 1788 speech by Patrick Henry at the Virginia Ratifying Convention. It says, Have we the means of resisting disciplined armies, when our only defense, the militia, is put into the hands of Congress?
© 2013 FLVS

Why does Patrick Henry think "the right to bear arms" is important?

A Citizens should have the right to resist any military order.
B Citizens should prevent Congress from declaring war.
C Citizens should be able to trade freely between states.
D Citizens should be able to defend themselves from tyranny.

D Citizens should be able to defend themselves from tyranny.

Patrick Henry thinks that "the right to bear arms" is important because he believes that it allows citizens to defend themselves from tyranny. In his speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention in 1788, he expresses concern about the power given to Congress over the militia, which he sees as the only defense of the people. He questions whether the citizens would still have the means to resist disciplined armies if the militia is under the control of Congress. Therefore, Henry believes that the right to bear arms is crucial in order for citizens to have the ability to protect themselves against any potential oppression or abuse of power from the government.