Concept Application
The following is from a broadcast news outlet.
1. The House [of Representatives] passed what advocates call the most
significant gun control measure in more than two decades on Wednesday
when it approved the first of two bills aimed at broadening the federal
background check system for firearms purchases. The vote on the first bill,
dubbed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019, passed largely along
party lines, 240 to 190, with Democrats who control the House cheering
as they carried the legislation across the finish line. A second bill, expected
to be taken up Thursday, would extend the period federal authorities have
to complete a background check before a gun sale can go through. Under
current law, if a check isn't finalized in three business days, the transaction
can automatically proceed.
-Brakkton Booker, National Public Radio, 2019
After reading the scenario, respond to A, B, and C below:
(A) Describe how the bills would enhance government power.
(B) Describe an action Congress can take regarding this legislation
to better balance government power and civil liberties within the
context of the scenario.
(C) In the context of the scenario, if the policy proposals pass, explain
how social movements might use constitutional provisions to
advance their agenda.