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Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a restriction of gun rights in response to the ongoing debates about gun control, and monumental change.

The Democratic leader is steadfast in his belief that "common sense" gun safety measures deserve their place within the nation's founding document.

A More Perfect Union: Gun Safety Measures

Newsom's revolutionary proposal stems from his conviction that the ability to perfect the union is intrinsically linked with the Constitution. "Our ability to make a more perfect union is literally written into the Constitution," Newsom emphasized.

His proposed amendment aims to solidify a set of broadly supported gun safety measures within the Constitution, while still respecting the 2nd Amendment and America's long-standing tradition of gun ownership.

This proposed amendment arises amidst a string of victories for gun rights activists in the federal courts, including the Supreme Court's landmark decision last year that abolished a century-old New York law making it harder to obtain a concealed handgun license.

Restriction of Gun Rights: The Nuts and Bolts of Newsom’s Amendment

Newsom's proposal isn't about tearing down the Second Amendment, but it does propose significant changes. It raises the federal minimum age for firearm purchases from 18 to 21, akin to the age restriction on buying beer, as Newsom pointed out in a video.

It also mandates universal background checks, institutes a waiting period for all gun purchases, and introduces a ban on assault weapons - the "weapons of war our founding fathers never foresaw," as Newsom stated.

Moreover, the proposed amendment asserts that Congress, states, and local governments retain their right to enforce further gun control measures.

A Herculean Task: Amending the Constitution

Amending the Constitution isn't a straightforward task. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures.

Ratification then requires the approval of three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions in each state.

Given that Republicans control the House and Democrats have a slim majority in the Senate, the possibility of this amendment passing in Congress seems slim. However, Newsom is pushing for an Article V Convention of states to convene and draft his proposed amendment.

Restriction of Gun Rights: The Battle Lines Are Drawn

Gun rights groups were swift in their condemnation of Newsom's proposal, viewing it as a direct attack on the Second Amendment.