In the United States we have to register to exercise our right to vote, but we dont have to register to exercise our right to buy guns or to exercise any other right. How and why did registering to vote begin? Did Americans in the 1700's have to register to vote?

To your question’s premise: who says we don’t have to register to exercise our 2nd amendment rights?

First, each state has laws regarding the sale of various classes of firearms. Classes range from long guns (rifles), to pistols, to restricted weapons such as fully automatic or short barreled which all require federal approval. These range from highly restrictive (NJ, NY, CA, etc.) with local police/court positive approval and waiting periods, to “shall issue” states where the default is to issue the firearm if nothing prevents it (FL, CO, NH, etc.). Once the state requirements are passed, the federal government then requires a criminal background check through their NICS program.

https://www.ny.gov/services/apply-firearms-license https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/nics

/r/AskHistorians Thread