Why is it so hard to regulate guns — even though gun regulation is so popular?

Why is it so hard for the United States to regulate guns? Doing so is very popular. Nationally, and in most states, majorities favor a wide range of additional restrictions. In every state, majorities favor at least some additional restrictions and regulations on ownership and use.

Theories abound about why passing gun regulation is so difficult, including NRA donations and the intensity of Second Amendment supporters. But behind these lie something else, the power of what I call subconstituencies: shared groupings built around people’s strong psychological attachments, or social identifications. CONT.

Benjamin G. Bishin (UC at Riverside), Monkey Cage

Recent polls: Guns