The age and gender requirements come from the legislature, not the Constitution. Constitutionally, the militia is everyone. If militia membership is required for gun ownership under the 2nd Amendment, we have to use the Constitutional meaning of “militia” which is everyone.
Legislatively, the militia is defined in 10 USC § 246, the unorganized class of which is comprised of all able-bodied male citizens and those who intend to become citizens, aged 17 to 45.
Congress can change the legislative definition. They cannot alter the constitutional meaning.
No.
The age and gender requirements come from the legislature, not the Constitution. Constitutionally, the militia is everyone. If militia membership is required for gun ownership under the 2nd Amendment, we have to use the Constitutional meaning of “militia” which is everyone.
Legislatively, the militia is defined in 10 USC § 246, the unorganized class of which is comprised of all able-bodied male citizens and those who intend to become citizens, aged 17 to 45.
Congress can change the legislative definition. They cannot alter the constitutional meaning.
Text doesn’t say that
Contemporary writings from a majority of the signatories do.
Very well. Please show me the quote