If the essay is agreeing with the law to restrict gun laws, I would lay my essay out similar to this:
Introduction: Introduce the topic and include whether you will be agreeing or disagreeing (if that is the argument). Maybe include some facts based around the laws, like when these thoughts for restricting laws came into play?
Paragraph (1): I would talk about the "pros" to the government restricting gun laws. I would bring up how easy it is to get a gun as a normal citizen. The steps/ requirements it has to get one. On average, maybe give a little statistics into how many people actually own a gun in their home, due to safety (self-defense) reasons.
Paragraph (2): I would talk about the "cons" to the government making restrictions on gun laws. Talk about safety issues in homes and public places like schools. Talk about, again and briefly, the steps it takes to get a gun and explain how easy it is to obtain one. Many people also believe that by having a gun restriction, this takes away from their right, by the constitution, the bear arms.
Paragraph (3): Give facts, good and bad, about civilians using guns for self defense purposes. Give details on school shootings and how these people were even able to obtain a gun. Give facts that both prove good and bad then state your opinion accordingly.
Conclusion: Based on your own opinion and the facts you have found from your research, then pull it all together as an ending paragraph, supporting your opinion.
Please let me know if this helps. This is a basic layout I would use for a research paper on something so political. :)