Historically, gun ownership has always held an important place in American culture. Today, Americans own more than 360 million guns, and many view firearms as a symbol of self-reliance and a critical defense against the threat of government tyranny. Others, however, are concerned about the high rate of gun violence in the United States, particularly the rising number of mass shootings and school shootings. Americans are deeply divided over the best response to the issue of gun control. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.