There are four tiers of the American system of government- The Executive Branch,  The Legislative Branch, The Judicial Branch and the People.   God gives people their rights and the people give the government certain powers in order to protect Life,  Liberty, Property and the Pursuit of Happiness.    An armed populace is essential to maintaining this balance of power.    The people must remain a credible force against the government in order to restain the natural urge of governments to become ever more powerful.   The second amendment is not about hunting, target shooting or collecting firearms.  It is about the fundamental right to protect oneself against a tyrannical government, a criminal or a wild animal.