It begins with the Declaration of Independence. The guarantee of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Which the last part, happiness, was formerly, pursuit of property.
..."self-governing individuals should bear the responsibility for defending themselves."
Self-Government and the Unalienable Right to Self-Defense
The second Amendment does not give American's the right to bear arms.
The second Amendment states that the
right to bear arms
shall not be infringed. We are already empowered to bear arms. The second amendment guarantees that right cannot be infringed.
"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
The Constitution does not empower the government. The Constitution is a Federal law document that protects we the people.And insures our rights from the government trespass and infringement of them.
The U.S Constitution creates a national government and limits and enumerates that governments powers.