Revised Simulation Guidelines

Simulation Guidelines

Political Science 210-01

Fall 2002

Dr. Dowdle

I. Introduction This assignment involves the selection of a character and writing a paper on that character.

II. ISSUE ONE - Repeal of the Brady Bill and Assault Weapons Ban.

A. Background

In 1993, the House and Senate voted to pass House Resolution 1025 -- also known as the Brady Bill after former White House press secretary James Brady. As a result, an individual who wants to purchase a handgun has to wait for a period of five-business-days before the purchase can be made. During this period of time, local law enforcement officials conduct criminal background checks of the potential purchaser. In 1994, the House and Senate voted to pass House Resolution 496, which banned the manufacture and possession of 19 types of semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips. It exempted existing guns and 670 guns that are considered to have a legitimate sporting use.

B. Views

Opinions on these bills are in sharp contrast. Advocates of these bills believe that these legislative acts help stop criminals from acquiring weapons, prevent the use of certain weapons that have primarily criminal applications, and reduce the number of gun deaths. Opponents, including many Republicans and the National Rifle Association, argue that criminals are unlikely to consider themselves bound by these laws and would give them an advantage over law-abiding individuals who need weapons to protect themselves. They also argue that these laws violate the Second Amendment and set a negative precedent that might spawn future restrictions or bans on gun ownership.

C. Scenario

Conservative House Republicans and Democrats have passed (by a margin of 235-200) a bill that would overturn these laws. The Bush Administration supports the legislation while the National Organization to Oppose Handgun Violence, represented by James Brady, oppose overturning the legislation. Both the NRA and NOOHV have money to give to potential supporters and can give up to $10,000 to an individual senator. The NOOHV has a budget of $90,000, and the NRA has a budget of $115,000.

III. Calendar