This site gives gun laws of each state and if there are any permits, training, or other requirements needed by these laws. The authors of the site make it a point to share all the different laws in each state to inform those who may not know of them. This helps to prevent any law breaking due to traveling with a gun.
"Pros and Cons of whether concealed handguns should be allowed"
Again this site provides both sides of the current argument (this time on concealed guns). It should provide a good reference for further research, and in helping give direction to a paper.
Arizona solidified its reputation last year as one of the most liberal gun states in the nation after the Legislature passed a law allowing people to carry concealed weapons without a permit. Amongst that, requiring to be 21 to purchase a handgun, but only 18 to purchase a rifle.
In 1995, a permit-to-purchase handgun law went into effect in Connecticut, stating that people who want to buy a gun must apply for a license (or permit) with the local police, a process that involves a background check, as well as complete at least eight hours of gun safety training. Since this law, homicide has seen a reduction in that area but there is still more that needs to be done.