Rich Neel introduces the Second Amendment by tying it to its foundational role in American liberty. With a touch of humor, he begins by quoting comedian Dave Chappelle, highlighting the Second Amendment as a safeguard for the First. He emphasizes the freedoms granted by the First Amendment—speech, religion, assembly, press, and redress—and how these rights set the groundwork for the Bill of Rights, including the Second Amendment.

Neel explains the dual purpose of the Second Amendment: external protection from foreign threats and internal protection against potential government tyranny. He stresses that the founders’ experiences with British oppression shaped their insistence on ensuring citizens could defend themselves. Drawing from key figures like James Madison, George Mason, and Patrick Henry, Neel illustrates their advocacy for individual liberty and their concerns about state and federal power balances. The section sets a clear stage for understanding why the Second Amendment remains a cornerstone of American independence and sovereignty.