In a letter to English Major John Cartwright in 1824, Thomas Jefferson exclaimed, “The Constitution of most of our states, and of the United States, asserts that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; that they are entitled to freedom of person; freedom of religion; freedom of property; and freedom of the press.”

While this seems to be a crazy time to be an American, a 2021...