Gun control and the NRA in America

The National Rifle Association (NRA) of America has backed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, following their annual convention. Why does their support matter so much?

The NRA's relationship with gun control has changed over the years since its inception in 1871. Initially, it helped the US government to draft legislation on gun control but since the late 1970s, the organisation has fervently resisted any calls to limit restrictions on arms.

The right to bear arms is enshrined in the second amendment of the US constitution and has caused controversy down through the years.