I run through the policy making process in the public policy process - as is commonly done. It all begins with agenda setting. The passage of many laws - or at least the serious consideration of them - often follows an event which brings a problem to the public agenda. What I'm reading about the National Forearms Act is that its passage followed national reaction to the well known Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, notably the use of machine guns in the killing.
- Click here for the Wikipedia page on the event.
In addition, the Gun Control Act of 1968 was originally proposed after the assassination of JFK, and revived following those of RFK and MLK. The shooting of President Reagan, the Sandy Hook massacre, and recent shootings provided similar motivations for policy activity.
