State constitutions are an essential part of federalism in that they define and limit the powers of state governments to prevent the erosion of individual rights. While the Second Amendment to our federal constitution enshrines our right to keep and bear arms, several states have failed to protect those rights in their constitutions — or, worse, in practice. Regarding the lack of state constitutional protection, Iowa is in the company of New York, California, Minnesota, New Jersey and Maryland — states that are openly hostile to gun rights.
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