What does the Second Amendment protect?

The Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, which refers to the individual's right to possess and carry weapons. This amendment is part of the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, and it has been the subject of considerable legal and political debate over the years, particularly regarding the extent of this right and regulations surrounding gun ownership.

The phrase "a well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed" highlights the Amendment’s dual focus: the importance of a regulated militia and the individual’s right to possess firearms. The Supreme Court has addressed this issue in various rulings, confirming the individual's right to bear arms for purposes such as self-defense while also acknowledging that this right is not absolute and can be subject to regulation.

Understanding this amendment is crucial for grasping debates about gun control and individual rights in the United States. The other options refer to different rights protected under the Constitution, none of which are related to the Second Amendment. The right to free speech pertains to the First Amendment, the right to a fair trial is part of the Sixth Amendment, and the right to petition the government is also covered by the First Amendment.